Model UN Team Achieves Outstanding Success at Recent Conference

The Rumson Country Day School is proud to announce the exceptional achievements of its students at the Model United Nations Conference hosted by Christian Brothers Academy on Friday, December 1. The RCDS Model UN team competed with just under 200 students from eight other schools. Among them, RCDS eighth-grader Jack O'Brien and sixth-grader Jackson Traina both earned prestigious awards for their exemplary performance during the conference.

“Their preparation, diplomacy, and eloquent articulation of arguments set them apart from the competition,” said RCDS History Teacher Tom Scott. “In addition, they certainly exhibited the School’s Four Pillars – Kind, Honest, Responsible, Respectful.”

Eighth-grader Jack demonstrated unparalleled prowess as he earned the "Outstanding Delegate" award for his role as Congresswoman Harriet Hageman in a debate regarding the war in Ukraine. Jack credits his success to his deep understanding of history and ability to listen.

“I really like history so that helps me,” said thirteen-year-old Jack. “It is easy for me to reference historical events that I don’t need to study for, or I just need to research before the competition. I also believe that I shouldn't be the first one to speak because if you want to know what other people want, you need to listen first.”

Sixth-grader Jackson shares a similar passion for history and attributes his achievements to comprehensive planning and practice. He received the "Honorable Mention" award for his exceptional representation of Japan on the UN Security Council which addressed critical issues in the South China Sea.

“It’s really important to know what you’re going to say beforehand,” said Jackson. “Write it down. Proofread it for errors. Practice it in front of a mirror. I really enjoy the process because it is a time that I can be heard, and my message can get through to people.”

Participating in Model UN provides students with a unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, explore international relations, and hone their public speaking skills.

“It’s harder than speaking in front of just your classmates,” says Jack. “But once you do it, you get used to it. You can speak more confidently and not stutter over everything you need to get out.”

“This was my first time participating,” said Jackson. “I know I like debate, so I figured I’d try it. I really liked it, and I ended up being pretty good at it!”

Jack hopes to participate in Model UN competitions in secondary school after he graduates this spring. Jackson looks forward to his future experiences on RCDS’s Model UN team, which will continue to empower students to become informed global citizens and strong public speakers, preparing them for future success.