More than 170 middle and high school students from 13 Anne Arundel County Public Schools came together this past Saturday at Severna Park High School to take on some of the world’s most pressing issues during the Annual Anne Arundel County Model United Nations Conference.
From tackling the global food crisis and the ethics of surveillance technology and drones, to navigating a newly introduced crisis committee on the Homestead Act, these remarkable student delegates demonstrated insight, diplomacy, and collaboration as they debated real-world problems and proposed innovative global solutions.
The day began with inspiration from keynote speaker Sean E. Asbury, retired Deputy Director of the Joint Military Intelligence Training Center at the Defense Intelligence Agency and proud parent of four AACPS graduates. Mr. Asbury encouraged students to lead with integrity and curiosity as they engaged in thoughtful simulations and rigorous debate.
This dynamic, student-led event was coordinated by dedicated student leaders from Severna Park High School, Annapolis High School, and Meade High School, under the mentorship of Sarah Poole, Social Studies Department Chair and Model UN sponsor at Severna Park High School. Over the past three years, Ms. Poole has played a key role in expanding Model UN opportunities for students across the county.
“This experience provides secondary students with opportunities to fine-tune their research skills, practice their public speaking, and participate in meaningful collaboration to address real world issues,” said Poole. “I’m so proud to be a part of something that prepares students to be the thoughtful, compassionate leaders of tomorrow.”
Top Delegate Awards were presented to students who demonstrated exceptional engagement and collaboration throughout the day. But beyond the accolades, the true victory lies in the confidence, global awareness, and leadership each student walked away with.
Model UN is offered as an extracurricular activity at several AACPS middle and high schools, with teams participating in local, regional, and national conferences. Through opportunities like these, AACPS students continue to grow as critical thinkers and global citizens, ready to make a difference in the world.
