By Natalie Di Maggio ‘26 and Olivia Rios ‘27
The debate room buzzes with nervous energy, echoing anticipation. Delegates shuffle papers, adjust placards, and exchange efficient last-minute whispers before the distinct knock of the gavel striking signals the start of the competition. Within the diplomatic, yet tense atmosphere, delegates speak with conviction, citing treaties or preaching moral appeals to justify their standpoints. Meanwhile, other delegates scribble their pens, writing notes in preparation for counterarguments and listening carefully to each word projected across the room. Under the formality glazing the event’s surface, silent strategy unfolds— whispers of alliances, subtle glances, and quiet deals shape the unfolding drama among the debate room.
Model League of Nations (Model UN), created in 1927 at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, consists of students running simulations that model the real United Nations discussing and debating global issues. Participants grasp the importance of discussion, negotiation, and compromise.
At Conestoga Valley High School, the Model UN club remained dormant for years. The husk of its once lively community slept, its significance forgotten, until Natalie Raff, now a senior, revived the club during her sophomore year. “It had been long enough that nobody really knew what it was anymore.” Raff stated.
Mr. Eugene Johnson, the Model UN club advisor at CV and a history teacher, assisted Natalie in the club’s renewal. Model UN was a passion of his since high school. Mr. Johnson even studied international affairs before becoming a teacher.
The club has been thriving since its reemergence, providing students with an insightful and supportive community. Mr. Johnson expressed, “I just think that the culture and community that the kids have built around the club has been really positive and really fun. And then to watch the kids support each other outside of club time— It’s just really cool to support a really healthy and safe community.”
“Stepping out of your comfort zone is how you succeed, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most terrifying parts,” Cadence Rhoades stated when asked what challenges the club poses. “Model UN has taught me lots, and most specifically what it means to get involved. In MUN, speaking in front of the group is not the only way to succeed; it’s everything. The public speakers are just as important as those who do the inside communication work.”
“We are competing against other clubs, but this is one of the few clubs at least I’ve been in where the competition isn’t very direct. For example, if you’re in a sport, you play against a team, you want to beat them—as a rule of thumb, you want them to lose. And in MUN a lot of times you have to work together, so you kind of have to make alliances.” Charles Nugent mentioned. ”The person you ‘hate’ for two months, who keeps going against all your plans, and keeps doing everything to mess you up—when roles are reassigned, and you get them on your side the next month, you have no choice but to work with them then.”
