FHS Earns Honors at Model United Nations

Farmington High School students were awarded 1st Place for Best Delegation at this year’s Hartford Model United Nations Simulation at Hartford High School, held on February 10-11 and sponsored by the World Affairs Club of Hartford.

In addition, Farmington High School students were also awarded 2nd Place as runners-up for Best Delegation. This year, over 40 FHS students participated in their roles as delegates from France and the African nations of Gabon, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In particular, Matthew Quallen ‘12 and Yashee Munshi ’13 were singled out and awarded Best Delegation for their exceptional representation of France in the Security Council, while Jordan Tragash ‘14, Sean Galvin ‘14, Rahul Jevisetty ’14 and Teja Mandava ’14 were similarly recognized as Best Delegation for representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Political Committee. Second place finishers included Stephen Zaksewicz ’12, Amy Tomasso ’12 and Edward Tomasso ‘15 for their representation of France in the Humanitarian Committee and Adam Dimanshteyn ‘13, Kevin Mathieu ‘13, Chris Thomas ‘13 and Dan Watterson ‘13 for their representation of Ethiopia in the Environmental Committee.

Model United Nations is a popular award-winning club at Farmington High School that simulates the committees of the actual United Nations. Under the guidance of the club’s faculty advisor, Social Studies teacher Lance Goldberg, members research their assigned country and then write resolutions based on their country’s point-of-view.

In addition, veteran members travel to the United Nations in New York City to consult with the official delegates from the countries they represent to further assist in simulating their perspective on world issues as accurately as possible. At the Hartford Model United Nations Simulation, chosen resolutions are then presented, debated and voted upon.

Additionally, participants’ conflict resolution and problem solving skills are exercised and enhanced as nations must join forces to cooperate with each other in order to solve real-time emergency crises.

Completely run by students, it is a high school highlight for many who attend. All FHS students are welcome to join Model UN and new members will be accepted in the fall.

Submitted by Lance Goldberg.