Ever since the first conference in 1947, Model United Nations (MUN) has been an outlet for students and delegates alike to openly speak and express themselves through debate. Delegates are able to engage in discourse on a wide range of topics, from solutions to climate issues through sciences, to civil rights issues in third-world countries.

In San Diego, there are numerous local conferences that provide high schools with the opportunity to compete in debate. However, only select conferences offer delegates the opportunity to take part in extremely competitive debates, an opportunity one shouldn’t pass up.

Recently, 12 Patrick Henry High School students had the great privilege of traveling to New York City to participate in the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference, in which 3,000 delegates from 77 different countries attended. The delegates who traveled represented multiple countries, including Denmark, Slovenia, and Algeria through various committees.

Preparation was extensive, dating back to late August, with delegates constructing 10-page papers taking dozens of hours to complete.

Isaac Sadja (ninth grade) was asked about his preparation, to which he responded, “To prepare, my partner and I researched all about the security council and the scope of their power.” Sadja continues with, “Along with our country, Denmark’s, position on the topics that would be covered in committee.”

Although the preparation period was extensive, the work and the hours put in were all worth it once the delegation arrived at the conference. Before diving into the heavy debate, opening ceremonies of the conference were held in which the students were presented with the unique experience of witnessing former President Joe Biden speak to the crowd of delegates. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity truly struck deep within the delegates, an experience never to be forgotten.

Once the debate started, delegates endured intensive arguments, with packed days, full of committee sessions. The debate was rigorous. Our delegates, however, performed stupendously, with Cole Richardson (11th grade, co-president) and Hudson Mitchell-Pullman (ninth grade) winning the Award of Merit for their committee. This makes Mitchell-Pullman a three-time award winner at this conference.

When asked about his awards, Mitchell-Pullman stated how “miarning an award amongst a committee of well over 100 other delegates, most of whom were high school students while we were simply middle school students, felt surreal,” and continued with, “I have had the privilege of attending NHSMUN twice more, winning first place and third place, with my co-delegate Cole Richardson.”

The means for celebration doesn’t end there.

The delegation/school as a whole won the Award of Excellence, meaning every delegate performed well in their respective committee. The award is now on display at the school as a symbol of pride for the club.

Model United Nations isn’t only for awards and recognition, it provides lifelong learning experiences and self-improvement opportunities. MUN sets up delegates with skills to tackle real-world problems.

Daryn Murphy (11th grade), co-president of the MUN club at Patrick Henry High School, was asked about how Model United Nations has changed her. “After seven years in the program, MUN has done more for me than I could have ever imagined,” said Murphy. “It has greatly widened my perspective and allowed me to improve my abilities to brainstorm and collaborate with others, whilst thinking outside the box.” Finally, Model United Nations has helped Murphy and all involved “to stand up for myself and voice my opinion.”

Editor’s note: Copy and photo courtesy of Patrick Henry High student Brady Cross.