Beekmantown students excel at North Country Model UN

Students from Beekmantown High School demonstrated exceptional diplomacy and leadership at the North Country Model United Nations conference.

The 48th annual NCMUN was held March 5 and 6 at Northeastern Clinton Central School.

Representing various nations and interests across several specialized committees—including the General Assembly, Environmental and Social Committees, and a Historical Committee— Beekmantown delegates joined hundreds of students from across the region to debate some of the world’s most pressing geopolitical issues. Topics ranged from the impacts of AI on the environment to the Distribution of Interstellar Land and Space.

Beekmantown seniors Adam Burnham and Lindsey Shanley chaired a committee on Combatting Racism and Xenophobia, and several delegates also took part in a special historical simulation of the Pirate Council of Nassau, where they played the role of real pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy.

"Our students, whether they won awards or not, represented Beekmantown well," said Hillary Sponable, the team's advisor. "Seeing students go from after-school meetings into the heat of debate is rewarding. Their research and tireless work on speeches and their ability to collaborate and write in committee make me proud to be their advisor."

The NCMUN Secretariat, the group that runs the conference, recognized 10 Beekmantown students for their individual contributions and command of parliamentary procedure in their respective committees.

• Best Delegates: Calum Anderson and Charlot Farnum
• Outstanding Delegates: Shamus Bibeau and José Susano Trujano
• Honorable Mentions: Odin Atwood, Jade Burdo, George Ciolac, Logan Dearborn, Corey Johnson, and Loghan Strickland.

The Beekmantown Model UN Team would also like to recognize senior members for their years of membership and congratulate them on their final MUN conference. Seniors include: Shamus Bibeau, Jasper Burdo, Adam Burnham, George Ciolac, Charlot Farnum, Dayvian McGee, Cole Recor, Evan Rock, Lindsey Shanley and Loghan Strickland.

The Beekmantown Model UN Club provides students with the opportunity to explore international diplomacy, improve public speaking, and gain a deeper understanding of global history and current events. The team would like to thank their school for their continued support. The team is currently setting their sights on their last conference of the year, Cornell Model UN to take place April 16-19th in Ithaca, NY.

The NCMUN conference challenges students to step into the shoes of international diplomats. Participants must conduct extensive research, engage in public speaking, and master the art of negotiation to draft and pass resolutions or directives. This process takes hours of preparation in addition to the two day conference.