Masco hosted its first-ever Model United Nations conference this past Saturday, marking a major milestone for the school’s growing MUN program.
Designed as a “MiniMUN,” the one-day event featured a single committee and was aimed specifically at introducing new delegates to the world of Model UN – including students from both Masconomet and neighboring Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School.
Despite being newcomers, the delegates dove into diplomacy, debate, and collaboration with enthusiasm. Masco Sophomore Isabella Romanelli, who earned the Best Orator award, admitted she was initially apprehensive.
“I was kind of nervous about how I would speak and if I would feel comfortable in the room,” Romanelli said.
But that nervousness quickly gave way to confidence as the event unfolded.
“I enjoyed how comforting and inviting everyone was. I felt like everyone didn’t judge if someone got things wrong, and everyone seemed very passionate about what they were doing.”
Freshman Phoebe Wanteis from Hamilton-Wenham, who received the Outstanding Delegate award, also reflected on the experience with excitement.
“I enjoyed all the problem solving that we got to do. Even though I thought I would not like it, I enjoyed public speaking and just learning about it and forming connections,” Wanteis said.
Leading the committee was senior Landen Boutilier, a club officer who chaired the event and helped guide the delegates through the procedures.
“You have to take many things into consideration,” Boutilier said. “You have to make sure the committee is moving along, but in this case, we also had to make sure that people understood what was happening and were able to adapt, learn, and understand what Model UN is.”
That balance between structure and support was a key goal of the event, according to club advisor Laura Greeley, who helped organize the conference.
“We would love to [host another],” Greeley said. “This was so successful and so useful, especially for the new delegates, but veterans as well.”
The collaboration with Hamilton-Wenham was another highlight, sparking hopes for future partnerships.
“We got great response from Hamilton-Wenham,” Greeley added. “So hopefully we’ll have an ongoing Hamilton-Wenham-Masconomet meetup, maybe scheduled off and on throughout the year.”
As the day wrapped up, it was clear that the inaugural MiniMUN had done more than just introduce students to Model UN – it had sparked curiosity, confidence, and a community of young diplomats ready for more.