The chatter coming from delegates at Salomon Hall kicked off the debate-filled weekend at Brown University. Stress and anxiety filled the delegates while waiting to be sent to their room assignments. On the second weekend of November, upper school students from grades ten to twelve ventured to Brown University for a Model UN conference. After spending many hours to prepare for the conference, Hackley delegates’ hard-work and preparation paid off when two students received awards for their performance.

The Brown University Simulation of the United Nations, or BUSUN for short, is a model UN conference for high schoolers hosted by Brown university students. Many countries around the world were represented in this conference from larger countries like the United States and Canada to smaller nations like Indonesia and Sudan. There were hundreds of students present to take part in interactive simulations and competitions to discuss and negotiate international affairs.

At BUSUN, there were many different committees, including general assemblies, crisis committees, and specialized committees. The amount of delegates in a committee ranged from 10 to 40, based on whether it was a general assembly or specialized committee. BUSUN urged these delegates to be aware of international issues with high-quality debate and discussion, while preparing students for Model UN in the collegiate level.  

Junior Frances Schaeffler, an ardent and longtime member of Model UN, participated at BUSUN as Othman in the Revolutionary Government of  Zanzibar committee, which covered the topics of Arab-African relations, the role of communism and the cold war, as well as international outlook following the fallout from the Zanzibar Revolution. She was extremely excited for the chance to immerse herself in high-level debate. She said, “It’s a great opportunity to compete and debate with other kids on many of the world topics today. I feel like I have learned much more from going on this trip and debating about diplomacy and world negotiations.” Frances plans on taking part in more Model UN conferences in the future.

Senior Alex Wenstrup won best delegate in his committee this year. He said, “It feels great to win best delegate. I know that lots of club members share both my enthusiasm and skill in Model UN, so I think that my award bodes well for the future of the club.”

In regards to the conference itself Alex stated that, “BUSUN was a lot of fun. I know there are some who disagree with me, but I preferred it to Cornell, which we have attended in the past. Its shorter length both prevents missed school, and keeps debate from droning on beyond its natural resolution.”  

Wenstrup’s recognition is a great achievement for Hackley’s Model UN team and sets a standard for the program in the future. Model UN is growing more popular at Hackley, with more and more people interested and participating. Many students see the program as a great way to get to meet people from around the world through debate on national conflicts.

Every year, there are many new faces that wish to compete and succeed. The Hackley Model UN team highly encourages more students to join the club and represent the Hilltop with pride.