From the ancient battlefields of the Trojan War to the modern chambers of NATO, students from The Elisabeth Morrow School proved that the future of diplomacy is in good hands.
On Saturday, Jan. 31, our middle school Model UN Club participated in the 2026 Central Jersey College Prep Model United Nations Conference. The event was the culmination of weeks of preparation, including intensive policy research, drafting position papers, and public speaking trials. Representing the best of student leadership in New Jersey, 19 EMS delegates joined a little more than 100 of their peers to tackle some pressing — and imaginative — challenges.
Diplomacy in Action
The EMS team helped to lead the conversation across diverse committees, demonstrating mastery of both modern geopolitics and creative problem-solving. Our students spent the day drafting resolutions and negotiating alliances in:
- DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Committee): Focusing on global peace and security.
- UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund): Advocating for the rights and protection of children worldwide.
- SOCHUM (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee): Addressing human rights and social justice issues.
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): Navigating complex international military and political alliances.
- Crisis Committees: Engaging in high-stakes simulations involving the Trojan War and a fantasy-based committee centered on Santa’s Sleigh.
The Road to Victory: Award Highlights
The accolades received reflect weeks of research and preparation by our entire student delegation. While every EMS student contributed to our school’s strong presence in the committees, we are proud to recognize the following specific honors:
- Best Delegate (the highest honor)
- DISEC: Hunter T. ’26 and Vigyan H. ’26 (Uruguay)
- SOCHUM: Kabir R. ’27 and Raunav C. ’27 (Türkiye)
- UNICEF: Arabelle S. ’26 and Ari S. ’27 (Türkiye)
- NATO: Nicholas C. ’27 (Germany)
- Outstanding Delegate: Sienna V. ’26 and Scarlett S. ’26
- Most Improved: Chloe T. ’28, Saro A. ’27, and Ely A. ’27
For eighth-grader Hunter T., winning Best Delegate in the DISEC committee was the culmination of a journey that began in the sixth grade. As one of the team’s most experienced delegates, Hunter noted that the most challenging part of the day was balancing conflicting viewpoints. “When we finally reached a breakthrough, it felt incredibly rewarding,” says Hunter. “It reminded us that diplomacy is really about collaboration, not just winning an argument.”
Hunter credits the EMS Model UN Club’s “mini-debates” for giving him the confidence to think on his feet. His partner, Vigyan H., agreed that the club’s emphasis on intentional preparation made the difference. “We are taught to research in depth instead of just relying on general information,” says Vigyan. “The combination of research skills, writing practice, and speaking makes sure we do not come in blind. It helps us feel more confident.”
Confidence Through Connection
For many, the conference was a transformative experience in building confidence. Fellow eighth-grader Arabelle S., who won Best Delegate in her first-ever appearance, reflected on the challenge.
“Entering UNICEF for my first Model UN conference was like stepping into the deep end of the ocean. I was intimidated by the other delegates,” says Arabelle. “However, I moved from a frightened observer to a person who led my bloc. Seeing our ideas merge into a final resolution taught me that even as a newcomer, collaboration is the most effective way to tackle global crises.”
For seventh-grader Ely A., who was recognized as Most Improved delegate, the conference provided a platform to find his voice. “Witnessing the committee’s reactions and realizing that my words had a significant impact enhanced my confidence,” he says. When asked what he would say to students interested in joining the club, Ely offered powerful advice: “Embrace your nervousness, as such feelings often lead to the most valuable learning experiences.”
A Culture of Excellence
The success at the 2026 CJCP Model UN Conference is a testament to our school’s commitment to our core values, the 4 C’s: Courtesy, Consideration, Cooperation, and Compassion.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group,” says Dorianne Steele, Model UN advisor and humanities department chair. “Not only did they put in hours of preparation, but they represented EMS with the 4 C’s throughout the entire day.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Our Model UN team’s success reflects the challenging and supportive environment at Morrow House. In our middle school, students are encouraged to dive deep into their passions, find their voices, and develop the confidence to lead. Explore how we prepare students in grades 5–8 for the global stage.
