Of the many clubs at BSCHS, Model United Nations (UN) is one of the most stimulating, yet least known about by students. Founded in 2004 at BSCHS, it has continuously challenged students to become more aware of the world around them. Maureen Aylward, Assistant IT Director, and Linda McCubbins, Government Teacher, are moderators of the club and have been working since its inception to help students become more involved in current global affairs.
Model UN was started here by Aylward. Her experience goes back to her own involvement in Model UN when she was in high school.

     “It was more work without the internet, but it was a lot of fun,” said Aylward.

     Judy Lee, a junior and member of the Model UN club, had no idea what it was when she first heard about it, but joined anyway.
“I had no idea this club was even at Bishop Sullivan,” she said. “I’m glad I found it but I had no idea what Model UN even did.” 

“I like the club so far,” she added. “I’m most excited to compete at William and Mary this November; I’ve never done anything like this before so it’s a new experience.”
In Model UN, students pose as ambassadors of countries all over the world and debate current issues that are on the real UN’s agenda. Aylward said that Model UN is really an umbrella term for the different aspects of it, a simulation of the UN, its committees and issues it debates.

     “Students in Model UN learn to work with other people; they get the opportunity to meet new people who are interested and enthusiastic about the same things. They develop research, writing, and public speaking skills and get to put those skills in action,” said Aylward.

   Co-moderator for Model UN, McCubbins also sees benefits in students being involved in the club. “You learn about how interconnected countries are, you gain awareness about countries and the issues that affect those countries,” she said.

   This kind of awareness can be useful to students. Although Model UN is an academic simulation, sparking an interest in global affairs can inspire real life activism. “Look at the Haiti Club,” said Mrs. McCubbins.  “Student activism can definitely start with clubs like Model UN.”

     “Students who go off to college may be affected by their experience in Model UN; they may continue it at a college level and it might take them in a different direction inspiring interest in careers like the Foreign Service,” said Aylward.

     For those students interested in joining Model UN, they meet every Wednesday afternoon in room 116.