For the first time in more than 20 years, Lyme-Old Lyme High School (LOLHS) was represented at a Model United Nations (MUN) Conference. This conference was held at UMASS Amherst.
Dealing with a variety of current and historical topics, delegates struggled to find solutions to some of the world’s most intractable problems. Using parliamentary procedure as practiced at the UN, delegates in these Crisis Action Committees tried to pass directives or release communiques to resolve the issues.
Lyme-Old Lyme High School MUN Secretary General Tom Crisp represented the President of Armenia and rode a tight line between its oil source Iran and democratic ally, the United States. In the same Crisis Action Committee of the Central Asian Summit was Phil Hallwood, who portrayed the CEO of Chevron and represented all US oil companies.
Lyme-Old Lyme High School Director General Liam Corrigan took on the role of Pol Pot in the anti-French resistance and worked with other Vietminh including junior Graham Richartz to coordinate attacks.
Hannah Paynter was the European commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Hannah Wilczewski was a representative of Doctors without Borders. Together they were constantly rebuffed trying to get humanitarian aid to refugees in Bangladesh from the Rahkine state in Myanamar until they turned world opinion on the government of Myanamar.
Senior Crow Sheehan, pictured left, and sophomore Eric Pan played various members of the North Korean cabinet dealing with the emotional antics of Kim Jong Un.
Josh Swanski, Sam Winter and Harry Godfrey-Fogg had various positions in the Apple Board of Directors struggling with the reform of odious factory working conditions in China.
Although all of the LOLHS delegates were rookies and there were more than 300 delegates from 30 different high schools from throughout New England and New York, Sheehan captured the award for the Most Outstanding delegate in his 30-member Crisis Action Committee of the North Korean Cabinet.
Significantly, all delegates gained valuable negotiating experience and learned a great deal of both history and current affairs.
The Model UN Club is planning to attend two conferences next year, one in the autumn and another in the spring.
The LOLHS Model UN club is still seeking members.
I had a great time, this past weekend and during meetings Wednesday mornings. Definitely worth it, and congrates to Crow Sheehan, I will miss you next year.
Glenn Elliott is a true unsung hero of our system! Glen has given Tom and the LOLHS team so much support in getting this club going. He supported Tom in going to the BOE to seek agreement to the out of state trip, spent many afternoons and weekend days working with the team and he has truly mentored him throughout the process. Thank You!
Another terrific program for the students of Lyme- Old Lyme schools! What a terrific group of students and what an amazing coach!