Primly dressed head to toe in suits and formal attire, 250 Montana students representing countries around the world gathered at the University of Montana on Nov. 20 and 21 for the annual Montana Model United Nations conference. Students participating from around the state prepare for the two-day November conference for months, awaiting this day.
Montana Model United Nations brings together students interested in international diplomacy and world politics to practice debating, passing resolutions, and speaking in their general assembly. After the two day conference, delegates gather in the main UC ballroom for an award ceremony.
Hellgate, famously known for dominating the competition, brought back many awards individually and as a school overall. “The conference went very well, with lots of groups and individuals placing high in the awards,” said Hellgate MUN President, Sydney Yung.
Hellgate students dominated many categories, especially the position paper writing awards with many students receiving either, Distinguished Position Paper (top 10%), or Outstanding Position Paper (Best 1-2 papers per committee).
Hellgate took second place overall this year, earning the “Distinguished School” award. This shocked many as Hellgate has held a reign over the first place “Outstanding School” award for several years. “Last year the school got first place and, despite all our high awards placement, Hellgate was only given 2nd this year,” said Yung. “This was a bit confusing and I wish I could understand why.”
Awards are given out differently for each category, but are divided into percentage classes; top 20%, top 10%, top 1-2%. Top 25 Senior awards are given with a $1,000 scholarship to attend the UM.
The two-day conference begins with students dividing into General Assemblies. Each meeting in a conference room, students discuss given topics from their countries’ perspective. Once speaking on their countries’ stances, students begin working on drafting working papers and resolutions which focus on solutions for the given topic. Assemblies vote on each paper and work to pass resolutions. Students are given the option to speak or to sit back and observe, however many students by the end of the conference are pushing for their chance at the mic to give their opinions.
MUN is more than a conference to many students as it provides a tight-knit, ambitious community. The club environment is one of the best aspects of the activity for many. “The environment is very welcoming,” said Yung.
This year was no exception with new students joining. “The club environment was positive and all the underclassmen seemed ready to learn. The turnout was also great!” said Yung. “In terms of numbers, the club grew quite a bit and we were able to recruit more underclassmen.”
Although this is Yung’s last year as an officer, she suggests everyone try out MUN. “My favorite thing is being able to learn about international policy and politics in an interactive way, when you’re engaging with the content, like writing resolutions during the conference,” she said. The club teaches students skills useful long past the conference, “joining the club helps boost confidence and public speaking abilities too”. With no prerequisites, Hellgate MUN encourages students to join despite experience. With Hellgate’s incredible reputation, they continued a longstanding legacy this past conference.
