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Portsmouth High Model UN students report awards, host first student-run PatriotMon conference
Summary
Portsmouth High School students recounted a year of Model United Nations conferences, awards and fundraising, and described hosting the district's first student-led conference, PatriotMon, during the May 13 School Committee meeting.
Portsmouth High School students told the Portsmouth School Committee on May 13 that the school's Model United Nations team carried a large delegation to regional conferences this year, won multiple awards and held the program's first student-run conference, PatriotMon.
The presentation, led by advisor Dr. Cassidy and four senior captains, highlighted travel to conferences including NYU’s EmpireMUN, Boston College and other regional events; a team of 31 students participated in at least one conference this school year. “It was one of the best years of my life,” student leader Sophia Turner said, adding that the experience prompted her to pursue international politics next year at Georgetown University.
The captains described fundraising, membership and mentorship as keys to the season. Ashley Murphy, a graduating captain who also managed the program’s social media, said fundraisers helped keep the program “as affordable and accessible as we could,” and that conference costs average roughly $300 per conference for participants. Elena Sun noted the team successfully hosted PatriotMon in January, welcoming schools such as East Greenwich, Lincoln and Wheeler and running a one-day conference with multiple committee rooms and volunteer student staff.
School Committee members commended the students. The superintendent, Dr. Kenworthy, said district staff and committee members had attended many end-of-year events and praised the students’ leadership. The committee presented certificates of recognition to the team captains and delegates at the meeting.
The students outlined plans for next year: continuing signature Boston conferences (Bozeman/BosMUN and EagleMonk), returning to NYU’s EmpireMUN when feasible, and running a second PatriotMon, with returning and new captains already planning the event. Student leaders said they will continue fundraisers and recruitment to expand participation.
The committee did not take formal action on the presentation; members affirmed support and encouraged continued community engagement and fundraising.
The committee recessed for a short break after the recognition and then moved on to business items.
