Bromfield students took on the challenging task of representing the countries of Libya and Mexico last weekend in the 59th annual session of the Harvard University Model United Nations conference, Thursday through Sunday at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. Bromfield sent a delegation of 21 students.

More than 3,100 delegates from high schools in 37 different countries attended this year's conference. The variety of international participation reflects the purpose of the conference—to simulate the efforts of the United Nations in order to gain a stronger understanding of global affairs.

"The enthusiasm that our students have for international affairs and the willingness to soak up everything is definitely my favorite part of Model United Nations," said Bromfield club advisor and world geography teacher Bryce Mattie. "Students are here for their genuine interest in global affairs."

"This conference is a fantastic experience which combines the chance to learn about other cultures, learn to make compromises, and practice public speaking," said Bromfield junior Nick George, a two-year participant in the Harvard Model UN conference.

The delegates were broken up into different committees, including multiple divisions of the General Assembly, UN economic and social council, regional bodies, and specialized bodies. Delegates participated in heated debates in order to pass a UN resolution that corresponded with the values of the nation they were representing.

"Sometimes there is a clash between what you actually believe in, and what the country you represent believes in," George said. "Although it can be frustrating at times, it really brings light to one's views on global politics."

In preparation, the Bromfield delegation attended weekly meetings on Wednesday mornings in Mattie's classroom in order to discuss the political, cultural, and economic atmospheres in Libya and Mexico, and to write position papers on topics involving these nations, such as peacekeeping in the Middle East, combating the drug trade, and resource distribution.

"My favorite part is not the 7 a.m. Wednesday meetings," said Kathleen Dorhety, the club's faculty chaperone and enthusiastic supporter. "I love watching all of the students…I first got involved with Model UN when I dropped by to see a debate. I was overwhelmed."

The selection process to participate in these conferences is primarily based around attendance at these early morning meetings.

"Typically, selection is done by attendance, and how long the student has been active in the club," Mattie said. "Whether or not they have prompt timely attendance, and whether or not they attend all the meetings are also driving factors."

In just its fourth year, Bromfield's Model United Nations club consists of 60 to 65 student members. Its high aims include sending 17 students to the Saint Petersburg, Russia, International Model United Nations conference this March.

Front row from left: Model UN club members Lucas Hickok, Bin Han, John Wesley, Connor Sloan, and teacher Bryce Mattie, the club’s advisor. Middle row, from left: Amy Hu, Heather Grant, Jillian Nelson, Jenn Symula, Emily Erdos, Erika Krause, Alyssa Asquith, Jessica Berger, Carley Williams, and Nikki Margaretos. Back row, from left: Elizabeth Noyes, Caroline Tracey, Paul Malloy, Emma Noyes, Patrick Griffen, and Julia Berger. (Courtesy photo)