the
SPECTRUM
“Your Voice in Print”
Tuesday | February 4 | 2025
blakespectrum.org
ISSUE V
The Blake School
Model UN Competes in NY Members attend conference at Columbia University
Model UN members Ella Cho ‘25 and Esther Lee ‘27 converse with social studies teacher Mackenzie McIlmail while walking towards the upcoming conference.
Tarun Gopalakrishnan | Features Editor
O
n Thursday, Jan. 16, Model United Nations students traveled to the Big Apple for a conference at Columbia University in New York City. Ben Cady, Social Studies teacher and Model UN Advisor, said, “I thought it went great… [students] seemed to have a really good time.” This particular competition was a Crisis Conference, resulting in long and hectic days for each student. “Each day was super busy…we had to be [at the conference] at 10 a.m. and had multiple sessions that lasted a few hours each,” said Cady. He added: “As teachers, from 10 a.m. to dinner time, we didn’t see them much.” The Columbia Model United Nations Conference is one of the country’s top conferences, bringing delegates from various countries to participate in a unique and challenging debate-like experience. “It was
very surprising…seeing people who came from... all around the world,” said Zach Dresner ‘27. In order to participate in the conference, each student wrote multiple position papers. The conferences enriched not only collaboration but also analytical abilities. “There’s critical thinking skills, writing skills, oratory skills, and plus you’ve got people on your side,” said Cady. Shucayb Harir ‘26 emphasized the importance of collaboration and preparation during these conferences as Upper School students frequently worked with students from other schools who they didn’t know. “We didn’t really do anything together… we mostly had different committees that we prepared for,” said Harir. He added, “You would just walk in and have to collaborate with competitors from different schools to find solutions.” Cady added to Harir’s opinion, saying “You’re in this situation with a lot of people
who you don’t know, so being able to navigate that [is important]... being able to form a team and then complete a goal, seems like something that you really get [at], through Model UN.” Model UN conferences stand out as great opportunities to learn no matter experience level. Max Unglaub ‘26, who has done Model UN since middle school, noted “It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot and met a lot of great people.” While Dresner, a newer member of the club added that “it was a good experience because I got to meet many new people and improve on my prior skills.” In the coming weeks, there will be a Model UN competition taking place at the Marriott Hotel in Minneapolis. Unglaub, who will be participating, said “I think it will be an exciting opportunity to apply what I learned from New York to this upcoming competition. I think it’s an exciting opportunity to learn different perspectives and different sides of debate.”
VISITING POET INTRIGUES STUDENT BODY Anders Carlson-Wee visited Upper School American Literature classes and held a poetry reading during FLEX. Read all about his visit on Page 2.
Izzie Miller
STAVNEY ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE IN 2026 Head of School Anne Stavney has announced her departure from the school after the 20252026 school year. Look for more on this story coming on blakespectrum.org.
Betsy Fries
Learn how the Taher kitchen staff operates to feed the Upper School community.
Check out what the Health Occupations Students of America club has been up to. Read about the Mid-Winter Conference.
Variety: Page 5
Student Life: Page 3
Sam Tomzcick
Joe Erickson ‘26 has played a crucial role for Boys’ Hockey. Read about a fan’s admiration.
Sports: Page 7