By Mr. Robert Burke, EagleMUN Advisor at Montverde Academy
From February 11–15, the Montverde Academy Model United Nations (EagleMUN) team competed at the North American Invitational Model United Nations conference (NAIMUN), hosted by Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. NAIMUN is one of the largest student-led conferences in the world. Over 250 Georgetown students interact directly with more than 3,500 upper school delegates from over 20 countries.
Model United Nations is an academically competitive speech and debate simulation of the United Nations. Students compete as “delegates,” representing countries and individuals on specific topics assigned in a committee. Conferences are hosted by collegiate teams and private organizations around the world.
In addition to the conference, students visited the office and met with Congressman Daniel Webster, who serves Florida’s 11th Congressional District. Students were also given a private tour of the Capitol Building by members of the congressman’s staff.
Additionally, students participated in a tour of Georgetown University guided by our very own Secretary General of EagleMUN, Jacob Novis. Some even managed to find time for a snowball fight, something new for a few Florida students!
Sophomore Isabella Salgado earned a “Verbal Commendation” at the conference, an award recognizing her high-quality performance, active participation, and strong debate skills.
Here is a breakdown of students and their delegations at NAIMUN:
Representing India:
- Arctic Council: Humza Bajwa and Adam Hymore
- Commission on the Status of Women: Carington Helms and Noor Cheema
- Group of 77: Jesiah Howard and Jeevan Mahal
- High Level Political Forum: Zara Liles-Henry and Raquel Teixeira E Silva
- Pacific Environmental Program: Emily Nguyen and Krisha Patel
- Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia: Jacob Novis and Eisha Cheema
- Disarmament and Security: Camelia Berrada Allam and Islay Smith
Specialized and Crisis Committees:
- Historical Crisis: Incan Succession 1529: Laura Menossi
- National Diet of Japan: Émilie Lapouble
- Ad-Hoc: Andrew Bourne
- Supreme Court: Isabella Salgado
- White House Situation Room: Elissa Ghanem
NAIMUN marks the end of the traveling season for the EagleMUN team. As a program, EagleMUN had its largest year yet, with 50 different students participating in KnightMUN (UCF), GatorMUN (UF), and NAIMUN (D.C.).
The season is not completely over! Over Spring Break, students Camelia Berrada Allam and Islay Smith will be teaming up to represent MVA at the National High School Model United Nations conference in New York City. Good luck Camelia and Islay in New York!
On April 4, EAGLEMUN IV hosted on the MVA campus from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Last year, 20 eighth grade students participated. This year, we expect nearly 80 students across five committees, including delegates from five visiting schools.
