The Mount Madonna School (MMS) Model United Nations (Model UN or MUN) program was represented by six high school students – Ezze Farrazaino, Kyler Nishimura, Lucy Harris, Emi Lord, Lagi Hunnicutt and Nash Wilson – at the 26th Stanford University Model United Nations Conference held November 11-13.
Students took part in various committees, representing France and Italy on the Human Rights Council, the Greek president’s cabinet, the Egyptian president’s cabinet, and an ad hoc committee that responded to an international crisis.
“This is my third conference as Model UN advisor and the third time I have had the great pleasure of watching our students face a challenging situation, step out of their comfort zones, and not just survive the experience but flourish in it,” commented teacher Greg Shirley. “While I can help students research their committees and issues and prepare for the conference, the students themselves have to stand and deliver, and they always do.
“My hope is that students will share their experiences and enthusiasm with others so that we can grow the club even more,” Shirley continued. “Our immediate goal is to become a MUN leader in the Monterey Bay area by attending more conferences, such as the [University of California] Berkeley conference in March, and hosting our own conferences, such as the training conference MMS hosted in October and the conference MMS will host on February 11.
“We aim to attend a conference in New York City next year,” he added, “where we will have the opportunity to participate in our committees in the General Assembly room at the UN itself. We encourage anyone interested to join us!”
Following the Stanford conference, several of the students reflected on their experience.
“I went into this expecting it to be a laid-back sort of thing where speaking was only encouraged,” shared sophomore Emi Lord. “I hoped that at some point I would abandon my fear of speaking and speak in front of my committee. What I experienced was a community of people who not only are insanely well-educated in every topic that was handed to them, but also one where every person had to voice their opinions in front of the others.
“I liked that almost anything could happen at any time,” Lord continued. “My committee would write a narrative of what would happen next for our country, whether that was having one of our cabinet members assassinated with a Nerf gun, or a change in government to another form of government, including Communism. I learned that you can’t get by slacking through the conference because you’ll get left behind really, really fast!”
Classmate Nash Wilson agreed.
“The majority of the people in the conference knew what they were doing,” he said. “At first, I was confused, but I eventually figured things out and participated. I was expecting to be with delegates who proposed interesting ideas and solutions to complex problems, and was hoping I could help out. I liked it when the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea [North Korea] and the Russian Federation presented MAD [mutual assured destruction] resolutions. I learned a lot about possible solutions to the Russia and Ukraine refugee crisis.”
“I was expecting to learn about Ukrainian refugees and the protection of war correspondents in Ukraine,” said freshman Kyler Nishimura. “My experience was very positive! I had fun and learned a lot more about Model UN. My favorite moment was when a member of the North Korea committee did a brilliant job of portraying a deeply insane megalomaniac! It was hilarious to watch him rant about horrifying things, but we all knew that it was just an act.”
“I thought the conference was going to be a serious and scary experience, and I didn’t think I was prepared,” reflected sophomore Lagi Hunnicutt. “I was hoping to get more experience with public speaking and debating. Nevertheless, everyone was nice and very impressive. My favorite moment was either when we legalized gay marriage or when someone was assassinated and we had to respond. I learned that whatever you have in your mind about the conference, it’s going to be a lot better than that. I realized that everyone there has something to learn and that you’re not alone in feeling scared or nervous.”
Additional resources:
- Mount Madonna School’s Model United Nations program
- February 11, 2023 regional Model United Nations conference, “Climate Justice for All: Addressing Inequlity” at Mount Madonna School
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.