Golden Ticket to the Golden Coast

Providence, New York, Chicago, and now California. Scituate High School’s Model UN  club, which is slowly but surely building its resume as one of the most adventurous and sought-after clubs at SHS, is now heading to the West Coast for their annual spring conference.  Scituate High’s Model UN advisor, Mr. Matisoff, sat down with The Scituation to give insight on the reasoning and planning behind this major trip to UC Berkeley in California.

When asked about how California became the top choice, Mr. Matisoff explained that the leaders of the club researched different spring conferences and came up with a top four to present to the club. “The options originally were New York City, Berkeley, Washington, DC and Duke University [in] North Carolina…when we presented it last year to the rest of the club, the top two choices were New York City and Berkeley.” And it takes more than a club vote to decide where to take the trip, as the decisions and choices had to be presented and approved by the school committee ten months in advance.

The UC Berkeley Model UN Conference is one of the oldest and largest conferences in the United States. It takes place on the campus of the university, but SHS will be staying off campus. The catch to this amazing trip package? The word on the street is that the trip is costly, and according to SHS Model UN member Anna O’Connell, “although it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, the price tag that comes with it is hefty and it’s something you really have to consider.” It is about a thousand dollars to take part in the conference and pay for hotels and airfare. But there will be time for sightseeing and a “Golden Gate Bridge pic,” according to club advisor Mr. Matisoff.  Also, the conference is on campus, so students are getting a college tour included as well.

The trip includes a four to five-day stay in California, allowing students a chance to explore the Golden Coast while building their academic perspectives and skills. A major plus for students that go to these conferences is the relationships that they form. According to senior Model UN member Henry McKain, “the trip will give students the opportunity to bond.” Also in favor of the trip is another Model UN member, junior Katie Heneghan. Heneghan told The Scituation, “I think it is a great opportunity to travel a long distance and a great opportunity to learn in a different type of classroom setting.”

More information and updates regarding the trip will be available on www.scituation.net as the trip draws nearer.