Strong Year for Model UN at NBTHS

SAANVI LAMBA, Editor-in-Chief

From intense debates to long bus rides and team wins, Model United Nations at North Brunswick Township High School has become more than just a club. It is something that students look forward to and grow from throughout the year.

Model UN focuses on researching political and historical topics while also giving students the chance to debate and work together in real time. Students act as delegates, tackling global issues by speaking, writing, and building solutions collectively. At the end of each conference, the goal is to present a resolution, but along the way, members build confidence, strengthen their public speaking, and form strong connections with each other.

This year, the club has been especially strong, with students from every grade getting involved along with a dedicated committee staff. One of the biggest moments took place right here at NBTHS. On Saturday, March 21, the club hosted its 7th annual Model UN conference, bringing in over 200 delegates from across the tri-state area. For the first time, there were five different committees, all run by NBTHS students.

Lots of effort went into making that happen. Members had been preparing since last July, writing background guides and running simulations during meetings. By the time the conference took place, it reflected months of work and preparation behind the scenes. For many students, attending conferences is the most exciting part of Model UN. Earlier this year, the team traveled to BOSMUN (Boston University Simulation of the United Nations), a Model UN conference hosted by Boston University and one of the most competitive in the country. Some committees had over 200 delegates, which made the event more competitive. Even with that level of competition, NBTHS still stood out and brought home multiple awards.

Outside of committee sessions, the trip was also a chance to explore Boston together. Students visited historic areas, participated in an escape room, and went on a bus tour, making the experience more meaningful than just competition.

The team also built on its success at the annual conference hosted by St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, which NBTHS has attended for the past 12 years. There, the club earned the Best Delegation award, meaning the school placed first overall based on the number of awards won. These included Best Delegate, Honorable Mention, and recognition for strong position papers.

Senior and club president Vinuta Ramakrishnan said that this year stood out because of both the competition and the team’s growth. “BOSMUN was a really fun conference where I was placed in a challenging Crisis Committee with very competitive delegates, but we also had a great turnout for awards at both conferences,” she said. She also stated that working with the executive board “taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and organizing meaningful experiences for our members,” showing how the club helped her grow beyond just competing.

Advisor Mr. Benjamin Schmoll also spoke about how much the club accomplished this year, especially at major conferences. “Our students stood out at one of the most competitive conferences in the country,” he said. He added that the team later earned the Best Delegation award at St. Peter’s, showing how consistent their success has been throughout the season.

Model UN at NBTHS shows strong growth through its conferences, competitions, and new milestones this year. From its performances to hosting its own event, the club continues to develop over time. It also gives students the chance to take on leadership roles and step into new experiences. More importantly, what students gain from the club stays with them long after each conference ends.