James Monroe Mavericks UN performs well at Harvard University

Danielle Sandler
·2 min read

LINDSIDE, WV (WVNS) — Seven students from James Monroe High School Youth Leadership Alliance recently traveled to Boston, Massachusetts for the Harvard University Model United Nations Conference.

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This conference was from January 24, 2024 to January 29, 2024 and brought in approximately 4,000 students from around the world, which did not stop the Mavericks performance in the 71st anniversary of this conference. Those competing were Shane Arthur, Gavin French, Rileigh Jackson, Hannah Jewell, Thomas Sibold, Katherine Viars, and Bryceson Whitt.

The 2024 Maverick HMUN Team, from left to right: Hannah Jewell, Rileigh Jackson, Shane Arthur, Katherine Viars, Bryceson Whitt, Thomas Sibold, and Gavin French <br>Photo Credit: Scott Womack
The 2024 Maverick HMUN Team, from left to right: Hannah Jewell, Rileigh Jackson, Shane Arthur, Katherine Viars, Bryceson Whitt, Thomas Sibold, and Gavin French
Photo Credit: Scott Womack

In Model UN debate, students performing represent a country that is assigned to them and work with other students to develop solutions to a series of diverse problems that could occur in real life. The Mavericks were assigned the country of Syria. They researched its culture and politics and expressed the problems within that country to their peers. Next, they reached out to allies for solutions.

Rileigh Jackson (center) caucusing with other delegates to find common ground on child labor. <br>Photo Credit: Scott Womack
Rileigh Jackson (center) caucusing with other delegates to find common ground on child labor.
Photo Credit: Scott Womack

The trip was not all just a conference, but students were able to explore and learn about the rich history of Boston and visited various museums and establishments. The trip had its own challenges as well since there were closed “T” stations, delayed flights, and bad weather, which the did not seem to phase the team at all.

The Maverick HMUN Team at the USS Constitution, from left to right: Shane Arthur, Thomas Sibold, Gavin French, Katherine Viars, Rileigh Jackson, Hannah Jewell, and Bryceson Whitt <br>Photo Credit: Scott Womack
The Maverick HMUN Team at the USS Constitution, from left to right: Shane Arthur, Thomas Sibold, Gavin French, Katherine Viars, Rileigh Jackson, Hannah Jewell, and Bryceson Whitt
Photo Credit: Scott Womack

This is the fourth time for the school to go to this event, having also participated in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and is the only high school from West Virginia that has been selected to participate in this conference since 1953. The students were also joined by 4,000 other high school students from other part of the United States and overseas. In other words, acceptance into this competition is an honor.

The Maverick HMUN Team at Harvard University, from left to right: Dr. Scott Womack, Katherine Viars, Bryceson Whitt, Gavin French, Thomas Sibold, Shane Arthur, Rileigh Jackon, and Hannah Jewell<br>Photo Credit: Scott Womack
The Maverick HMUN Team at Harvard University, from left to right: Dr. Scott Womack, Katherine Viars, Bryceson Whitt, Gavin French, Thomas Sibold, Shane Arthur, Rileigh Jackon, and Hannah Jewell
Photo Credit: Scott Womack

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Students gain much skills and recognition from these types of programs. There will be future plans for the Maverick Model UN. If you would like to contribute time, expertise, or funds to this program please contact the Maverick Debate Coach, Dr. Scott Womack, at 304-753-5182, on Facebook Messenger, or via email at swomack@k12.wv.us.

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