SMCHS Student Nabs Award in Britain

Eleven students from Santa Margarita Catholic High School recently returned from the 29th annual Royal Russell Model United Nations Conference held in East Croydon, England.

In the Model United Nations, students replicate the workings of the real United Nations by participating in conferences worldwide such as the Royal Russell Conference. Santa Margarita students represented the countries of Turkey, Latvia, and the United Arab Emirates in a mock meeting of the United Nations.

Coincidentally, Rancho Santa Margarita is the location of , and the .

SMCHS was the only school in attendance from the United States during the conference, which took place Oct. 16-21.

Sophomore Scott Butler of Laguna Niguel won an Award of Excellence for his contribution to the debates and excellent leadership skills.

During the summer, students were given topics to research in advance of the fall conference.  The hard work paid off. This is the first award SMCHS has won at the conference in three years.

“The experience allowed me to learn about other cultures and meet other students from around the world,” Butler said. “You learn about other countries and how they all relate to each other.”

At the four-day conference, students debated economic, political, and social issues facing the international community. Topics such as climate change, Iran’s nuclear program, and promoting universal primary education were among the issues discussed.

“Competing with students from around the world is an opportunity I will never forget,” said junior Jillian Kennedy of Mission Viejo. “I have a better understanding of the world because of this experience.”

In addition to attending the conference, the students got a chance to tour London. Students visited landmarks such as the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey.