Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden and Principal Robert Parga are pleased to share that Medfield High School's Model United Nations club hosted about 80 student delegates from eight schools at its first conference.
The MEDMUN event, held at Medfield High School earlier this month, provided an educational experience for student delegates interested in learning about international relations and global issues. The conference allowed participants to foster critical thinking, public speaking, conflict resolution, negotiation and diplomacy skills while mirroring the principles of the United Nations.
During the conference, student delegates discussed topics including Medicare and gun control. Students also discussed decision-making regarding the Iraq War, including the effectiveness of coordination and communication, and long-term effects. They also participated in a re-enactment of D-Day decision-making, which included adapting invasion strategies based on changing weather forecasts.
Along with Medfield's student delegates, students from Seekonk High School, Ashland High School, Westford Academy, Medway High School, West Bridgewater High School, Needham High School and Bedford High School attended the conference.
State Rep. Denise Garlick and state Rep. Marcus Vaughn were in attendance. They, along with Principal Parga, spoke to students during the opening ceremonies. State Sen. Rebecca Rausch also provided video remarks.
"Congratulations to Medfield's Model UN students on a successful conference," Principal Parga said. "The event allowed the delegates to learn more about United Nations practices as well as engage in meaningful and knowledgeable conversations about various topics."
The event was organized by senior Mia Remington and junior Julie Karam. Social studies teacher Rachel Buckingham serves as club advisor.
"Our main goal for the conference was to put Medfield Model UN on the map within our community and the outside world while fostering a safe and inclusive environment," Karam said. "My main highlight was the feedback we got from participants and advisors saying they would attend again next year. Overall, it was a huge success, and we could not have done it without help from the administration, club members, teacher chaperones, and parent volunteers!"
"We would like to highlight the Medfield PTO. Without its generous grant, MEDMUN wouldn't have been possible. We are grateful for the PTO's support in helping us cultivate important discussions with the next generation," Remington said. "Ultimately, seeing the MEDMUN team's hard work come to fruition was amazing, and I am incredibly proud of everyone! As a senior, this was the perfect culmination of my last year at MHS, and I'm excited for the years to come."
According to the United Nations, hundreds of thousands of Model UN students engage in accurate and authentic simulations each year, helping them to learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions.
