Madison Reporter

Middleton High School's Model United Nations Club recently attended the Boston University Model United Nations Conference from February 6 to 10. The event offered students a platform to develop public speaking and debate skills while engaging with global issues.

"Model UN is a great way for students to strengthen their public speaking and debate skills, as well as educate themselves on key global issues through various political and cultural perspectives," stated Megan Sipiorski, a teacher at Middleton High School and advisor of the club. She emphasized that the club fosters strong friendships among students with shared interests.

The student delegates participated in numerous committees such as the Economic and Financial Committee, UN Women, Sustainable Innovation Forum, World Conservation Fund, Chilean Constitutional Convention, US Press Council, LIV Golf, among others. Topics discussed included mitigating the global debt crisis, international climate cooperation efforts, media influence in society, and global access to education.

Keynote speaker William Davis, Director of the United Nations Information Centre, addressed the attendees. During their free time in Boston, students visited historical sites like the Freedom Trail and Old State House. They also dined in Boston's North End neighborhood and toured Harvard University's campus.

Several students—Sam Schoenke, Leah Saleh, Dina Abdel-Megid, Mallak Gadelhak, Ash Rogers, and Crystal Huang—were recognized with individual awards for their contributions during committee sessions.

Sipiorski mentioned that the club participates in conferences across North America annually. Their upcoming conference will be held at UW-Madison in March for the Wisconsin High School Model UN Conference.

"Students build lasting connections both with fellow Middleton club members and with high school students from many other places who share a common interest in global studies," Sipiorski noted. She highlighted that conferences provide opportunities to tour college campuses and connect with university faculty.

Sipiorski encouraged new members to join anytime throughout the year. Meetings are held every Monday at 4:00 p.m. at Middleton High School.

"My favorite part is watching students have new experiences!" she expressed. "The conference travel often takes us to places that are new to everyone...I also love seeing students challenge themselves...It is very fun when club alumni come back to visit."