Niwot High School Clubs: Spotlight on the Model United Nations Club

Niwot High School is host to over 60 different student-run clubs, one of which is the impressive Model United Nations Club.

According to the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), "Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as gender equality, climate action, global health, and more."

The Niwot High Model United Nation members, under the supervision of NHS social studies teacher Matthew Payan, debate, research, and write about global issues and have been awarded for their efforts at two Model UN conferences so far this school year.

During the Fall 2023 CU Boulder High School Model UN (MUN) Conference on Oct. 7, multiple people received awards for their efforts. Miles Shaw won Outstanding Delegate, Lila Repsher was awarded second for Best Delegate, and Julia Freischlag won Best Position Paper.

At the Valor Christian High School Model UN Conference on Oct. 28, more NHS students were given high praise for their efforts. Shaw, Jamie Williamson, Fred Zorgdrager, Noah Fetsko, Zephyr Jackson and Evan Pan each won Outstanding Delegate awards, Will Rands and Paul Blignaut won Honorable Mention (3rd), and Harrison Leonard won Best Position Paper.

These NHS students gain valuable experience in diplomacy that will serve them well in future pursuits in solving the world's problems in areas such as law, government, business, and the arts. Leadership skills are highly valued in the Model UN, and Lila Repsher has taken the lead for Niwot's Model UN club. Watch for Model UN's future endeavors and successful conferences in the future.