Members of IMS’s Model UN chapter, MtnMUN, demonstrated their hard work, courage, and thoughtful engagement at two Model UN Conferences this spring, led by faculty advisors Ms. D’Angelo and Ms. Vaughn.

On Saturday, April 5, nine MtnMUN students traveled to the Frederick Gunn School to participate in the second annual GUNNMUN conference. Our delegates joined four exciting committees: the General Assembly (GA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the General Assembly Economic and Financial Committee (ECOFIN), and two crisis simulations—Jurassic Age and Oslo Hostage Crisis. Across all committees, students engaged deeply with the values and skills of diplomacy, compromise, critical thinking, and public speaking.

In ECOFIN, delegates tackled the complex issue of illicit financial flows—the illegal movement of money that can destabilize economies, governments, and communities. The committee passed a comprehensive resolution titled H.O.P.E. (Honesty, Openness, Protection, and Enforcement), which proposed creating more transparent systems to combat financial corruption. One of the resolution’s sponsors was Jamaica, represented by Veronica Rowny.

In the WHO committee, delegates explored strategies to improve global healthcare access, with a focus on remote and underserved areas. IMS students found themselves on opposing sides of key debates, showcasing both their independence and respect for differing perspectives. In the end, all delegates successfully passed resolutions and made meaningful connections with peers from other schools.

The Oslo Hostage Crisis committee was as dramatic as it sounds. A surprise twist saw the President of the United States fall ill, prompting Vice President Donald J. Barack Obama (played by Peyton Elie) to take over. Through bold diplomacy—and an unexpected diplomatic marriage to the Egyptian delegate—he resolved the crisis and restored international peace.

GUNNMUN II wrapped up with lively debate, new friendships, and two well-deserved awards for IMS delegates:

  • Peyton Elie earned Honorable Mention for his creative and commanding performance as President Donald J. Barack Obama.
  • Veronica Rowny earned the Outstanding Delegate award for her skilled negotiation and leadership representing Jamaica in ECOFIN.

Then on Saturday, April 26, nineteen MtnMUN delegates in grades seven through nine traveled to the Loomis Chaffee School to participate in LooMUN III. Our students competed in six dynamic committees: SPECPOL (Special Political and Decolonization, GA), European Union (GA), ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council, GA), and Three Crisis Committees: The Space Race, The British Partition, and The Bush Cabinet during 9/11.

Despite being the youngest delegates at the conference, IMS students rose to the challenge of competing exclusively against high schoolers. They demonstrated impressive courage, poise, and adaptability as they debated global issues and responded to rapidly evolving crisis simulations.

In the European Union committee, students grappled with the complexities of migration policy, working to balance national sovereignty with the EU’s push for standardized approaches. Representing Finland, Veronica Rowny stood out for her thoughtful diplomacy and leadership, earning her an Outstanding Delegate award.

In the Space Race Crisis committee, delegates Hanna Domene Ruiz and Clea Williams played NASA scientists competing with the Soviets during the Cold War—until a surprise twist revealed they were actually Russian spies. What followed was a whirlwind of sabotage, espionage, and quick thinking. Hanna was eventually caught and imprisoned, only to return in dramatic fashion as a new character, while Clea remained undercover and undetected to the very end.

In SPECPOL, Alex van Dyke represented Chile and tackled global issues with clarity and confidence, ultimately earning an Outstanding Delegate award. And in the British Partition Crisis committee, Peyton Elie delivered a bold and strategic performance as Mir Osman Ali Khan, winning the Best Delegate award.

LooMUN III concluded with deep pride and plenty to celebrate. Our students not only held their own but excelled, gaining valuable experience in public speaking, collaboration, and international diplomacy.

Written by Ms. Sammi D’Angelo