“They got more out of that than they would have out of Spain or Australia,” Masson said, adding that the students read the New York Times online every morning of the conference to keep abreast of events in Syria.
“We had to be up to the minute,” said Peterson.
Even fully informed, being a delegate for Syria had some big challenges. Freshman Kirti Shenoy, in particular, had her diplomatic skills tested when the other countries in her committee ousted Syria from its discussions.
“It was so outrageous,” Shenoy said. “It’s hard to be in a committee that you’re kicked out of.”
According to delegates from other schools, representing one of the world’s most unpopular nations also ensured that Highland wouldn’t win any awards. But win they did, earning two verbal commendations, an honor that even some larger and more seasoned delegations didn’t receive.
Highland’s success came as no surprise to Highland High School Principal Peter Harris. Joining the delegation for dinner on the first evening of the conference, Harris was impressed by what he saw: a group of teenagers in a restaurant on Boston Common, ignoring their meals, cell phones and all the Friday night bustle of Beantown to write speeches on international relations.
For the members of the Model UN club, it’s just the way they roll. Having launched the club on their own initiative, doubled its membership within one year and raised $2,000 to send the eight delegates to Boston, they’re no strangers to hard work. In fact, they love it.
“It’s what I look forward to while I’m taking notes in geometry,” said freshman Celia Gottlieb.
Masson said that when the club first formed, he was a bit skeptical about its planned Friday afternoon meeting time, but his fears were put to rest by what he calls the “dynamite” group of students who take part not because it looks good on a resumé but because they genuinely enjoy researching and discussing world issues.
“It works your brain differently,” said senior Tristan Reynolds. “It’s not for a test. It’s for your country.”
Reynolds said that learning about international relations and attending Model UN conferences where he meets teens from different nations, makes him realize that while he’s safe at home in Highland, thinking about his SATs, people in other parts of the world are trying to find the remains of their families after a bombing.
“It makes you step out and realize that you’re not the most important thing on this planet,” he said. Peterson, likewise, called it “an exercise in empathy.”
Pointing out that Model UN conferences like the one in Boston help students hone skills that run the gamut from research and writing to public speaking and diplomacy, Masson praised the team for its professionalism and hard work.
“We represented Highland High School and our community really well, from start to finish,” he said. “I couldn’t have been more proud of our delegation.”
