Fourteen seniors shattered school records at the National High School Model United Nations conference in March, winning the Delegation Award of Excellence while engaging in diplomatic negotiations at the most prestigious Model United Nations conference in the United States.
The trip marked the second year that Fountain Valley High School brought students to New York City, elevating the Barons to the global stage as they competed alongside delegates from over 70 countries. After earning the Delegation Award of Merit last year, the team advanced one tier higher this year. This was a testament to the delegates’ collective dedication to rigorous research and dynamic debate throughout the conference.
Four students, debating as double delegate pairs, also earned Awards of Distinction for their individual performances, receiving the highest honor given to delegates within their respective committees.
The week-long trip featured a three-day conference session spanning over 15 hours of debate, as well as numerous opportunities to explore the nearby areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Ellis Island. Students also visited the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the United Nations Headquarters, gaining firsthand exposure to the history and culture they studied in the classroom.
Model United Nations brings together high school and college students to engage in persuasive argumentation, with students acting as representatives from assigned countries to discuss real-world issues ranging from peacekeeping in conflict zones to gender equality and women’s rights. Before attending conferences, students strengthen research and critical thinking skills by writing position papers. Formal debates also improve collaboration and leadership skills in real-world settings.
At Fountain Valley High School, MUN is integrated within the history pathway and is open to all students, grades 9-12. In addition to teaching the existing curriculums of Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, and U.S. Government and Economics, teachers guide students in debate to become global citizens as they advance through high school.
Throughout the year, students participate in multiple local high school and college conferences. Events are held at Edison and Huntington Beach High School, as well as BruinMUN at UCLA and UCBMUN at UC Berkeley.
Fountain Valley High School will host its fifth annual BaronMUN Spring Conference on May 16th, welcoming both middle and high school students to experience the program firsthand. Entirely student-run, the conference will feature dynamic debate sessions, with upperclassmen serving as chairs who mentor and guide delegates through each committee. No prior experience is required. For more information, follow @fvhsmun on Instagram or email kducat@hbuhsd.edu with any questions.