SCHOOLS: Learning the Intricacies of World Diplomacy

Brady Boroniec, now studying social relations and policy at Michigan State University, credits his experience at Allen Park High School for helping to set him on a path of making a difference in the world. And that “valuable experience” includes being a part of APHS’s Model United Nations club.

“My interest in Model UN really began with my interest in world politics and policy but from that it grew into much more,” said Boroniec, who participated in the club for four years. “It helped me to improve my public speaking skills, since many of the competitions require you to convince and persuade people to your point, which is a great skill to have in your repertoire. It also helps a lot with critical thinking as a lot of the speaking you do has to be on the spot and unscripted, so always thinking about your next word is important.”

Model United Nations is “education through simulation”, where high school students research real-world problems and issues then work together to come up with peaceful conflict resolutions. The purpose of Model UN is to help raise students' awareness of international issues and prepare them for a globalized world, and is designed to foster enthusiasm for, and increase students' understanding of, international affairs through a simulation of the United Nations.

The student-led club at APHS is run by president Lily Murdoch and vice president Dylan DiCicco under the direction and supervision of two co-advisors, staff advisor Tim Brown and volunteer advisor Laura Luecke.

By delving into their roles as diplomats to the UN, students gain a hands-on understanding of the intricacies of world diplomacy.

“What really impressed me was how much the kids grew from day one to day three at the MSUMUN event,” said Brown, who is the mathematics department chair at APHS. “Students that were apprehensive became more outgoing and comfortable with the conference and themselves.”

Murdoch, who plans to major in political science and be a lawyer in the future, has been involved with Model UN since sixth grade.

“I love it because it’s really improved my public speaking skills and gives me an outlet to speak and debate on world issues while still being in high school,” she said.

DiCicco, who plans on becoming a high school history teacher, said the club has helped prepare him for college.

“The reason I first joined the club was because I was always interested in world issues, and the club seemed perfect for my interests,” he said. “It lets me learn other people’s opinions and lets me learn more about the world around me.”

APHS students, referred to as delegates, are assigned a country or person to represent by the Model UN conference hosts and meet after school to learn formal debate procedures and research their country/person’s positions on the assigned topics that their committee will address. The main conference is held at Michigan State University in March and features around 500 students from around the Midwest.

“The club is grateful for the support it receives from the district that affords us the possibility to be a part of something we all appreciate so much,” said Luecke, who has been a Board of Education trustee since being elected in 2020.