Cross-Cultural Dialogue on an International Stage

A 6 a.m. Saturday departure for a day of debate might not be every teenager’s cup of tea, but for six MHS juniors it kicked off an experience they won’t likely soon forget.

Inyene-Abasi Bell, Deanne McRae, Parker Wright, Alice Kwiatkowski, Gianna Han, and Casey Lai made represented MHS at this year’s Model UN Conference at Concord Academy, outside of Boston. The daylong event included more than 200 middle and high school students simulating the United Nations while learning about diplomacy, international relations, and world issues.

History Teacher Dr. Thomas Stock advises the MHS Model UN Horizons site. He works with students on public speaking, helps them hone research skills in advance of conference assignments, and instructs them on Model UN debate. They dig into current events and hold a three-hour Model UN simulation following conventions.

During the conference itself, Dr. Stock explains, students are on their own. They may bring notes, but no pre-written speeches or resolutions, other than an opening statement, as they negotiate and work to convince others to join them in a resolution.

“It does take gumption,” he notes. “You have to really step out of your shell and challenge yourself. You need to know your position, and you need to be able to negotiate with others to move them toward your position.”

This is the second year for the Model UN Horizons site at Miss Hall’s. “I love global politics and the global citizenship mission at Miss Hall’s, so I was very much interested in leading this program,” explains Dr. Stock, who joined MHS in 2022. “We are an international school, so we should be studying international issues.”

Editor’s Note: Though not a participant in the Model UN Horizons site, Casey is an experienced Model UN delegate and joined the MHS contingent for the experience. She represented the U.S. on the Human Rights Council received First Place as the event’s Best Delegate, the highest award (equivalent to 1st place) at a Model UN Conference!