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Portsmouth High Model UN team recognized; students describe conference wins, fundraising and a new student-run conference
Summary
The school committee heard a student-led presentation about the Model UN program, with captains and members describing awards, 31-member participation, extensive fundraising and plans for a student-run conference called PatriotMon; the committee presented certificates and praised the students.
The Portsmouth School Committee set aside part of its May 13 meeting to recognize the Portsmouth High School Model United Nations team and hear student reflections on the 2024–25 season.
Coach Mr. Cassidy introduced the team and four senior captains and said the group "exceeded expectations" this year. Senior captains and captains-elect recounted conferences they attended (including NYU's EmpireMonk, Boston College—s EcoMonk and regional learning conferences), fundraising activities and a student-run one-day conference the team hosted in January called PatriotMon.
Sophia Turner, who said this was her second year in Model UN, described the experience as transformative: "it was one of the best years of my life," she told the committee, crediting coach Cassidy and team leadership for mentorship. Students reported a membership of 31 students who attended at least one conference, noted awards (best delegate, outstanding delegates and honorable mentions) and described the program—s fundraising work, including bake sales and other activities to keep trip costs affordable (students said conference costs averaged about $300 each).
Student leaders described plans for next year: continuing established Boston conferences, returning to EmpireMonk in New York City and building PatriotMon into an annual student-run event. The committee and superintendent presented certificates of recognition to named students and congratulated the team for its leadership and collaboration.
The recognition segment ran more than an hour of the public meeting and concluded with committee praise and the presentation of certificates. Committee members thanked students and noted the educational value of the program for public speaking, diplomacy and leadership.
Next steps: the committee will remain available to support student travel approvals and continue to celebrate student awards in upcoming meetings.
