CBA Plays Host to Middle School Model UN
November 10, 2017
CBA played host to over 150 middle school students from across New Jersey as part of the fifth annual Middle School Model United Nations Conference on Friday, November 3rd.
Competitive Model United Nations functions much like debate, however instead of arguing positions, participants take on the roles of nations or political figures and debate within the confines of various UN and political bodies such as the United Nations Security Council or General Assembly. Model United Nations has a long history at CBA and was coached for over 12 years by history teacher Mrs. Maureen Szablewski, who dedicated her time and efforts to getting the program off the ground. Dr. John Gustavsen now oversees the program and was responsible for organizing this year’s middle school event with the help of the CBA Model UN students.
This conference was a nice opportunity to showcase CBA, both for prospective students and the wider community, giving CBA students a chance to look at Model United Nations from the organization side. Preparation for the conference began last summer with CBA students choosing committees and preparing background guides for the middle school delegates. Committee chairs attended several meetings and training sessions to prepare them to oversee the committee meetings and judge the performance of the middle school students. CBA students also visited several middle schools prior to the conference to assist them in preparing for the conference.
The middle schoolers and CBA students alike were treated to a keynote address by United States Deputy Chief of Mission in Slovenia, Gautam Rana. Speaking via teleconference directly from Slovenia, Rana described to the students his role in Slovenia. Aside from his work in Slovenia, Rana has been on the National Security Council, worked in the American Embassy in New Delhi, India, and was the special assistant to the Deputy Secretary of State, among other assignments.
The conference also presents a closing ceremony, where prizes are awarded for those students who best argued their positions in each committee. After the tally, Oak Hill Academy from Lincroft won the Best Delegation Award, followed by fellow Lincroft school, St. Leo the Great School, which took the Outstanding Delegation award.
Congratulations to all the winners and for the CBA contingent for running such a great event.
About Christian Brothers Academy:
Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through the combined efforts of the Office of Advancement and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $1.3 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy at www.CBALincroftNJ.org.