The Henry Clay High School Model UN delegation proudly represented our school community at the 37th annual William & Mary High School Model United Nations (WMHSMUN) conference in Williamsburg, Virginia this past Fall Semester. Following months of intensive research and preparation, a premier group of 49 student delegates traveled to the historic campus to engage in high-level diplomatic simulations, tackling some of the world’s most pressing geopolitical challenges.
The trip served as an exploration of both maritime and colonial history, providing deep context for the students’ diplomatic work. The journey began at the USS Monitor Center and Mariners’ Museum, where delegates observed preservation efforts on the wreckage of the USS Monitor. After a visit to the Virginia Air and Space Museum, students spent a unique night aboard the USS Wisconsin, learning the inner workings of one of the largest battleships ever built.
Before the competition commenced, the delegation toured Historic Colonial Williamsburg. From the halls of the Capitol to the local trade shops, students examined the early American struggle between Patriots and Loyalists—a perfect academic foundation for the debates on governance and sovereignty that would follow.
The scale of our participation this year was truly impressive. Our 49 delegates—the largest conference delegation in our program’s history—were represented across all 24 of WMHSMUN’s committees. From the General Assembly to specialized crisis simulations, Henry Clay students were at the forefront of every conversation, delivering persuasive speeches and negotiating complex resolutions.
Their dedication culminated in a historic milestone for our program. Henry Clay was honored with the school’s first-ever Large Delegation Award: the Michael Charles Coons Award for Best Representation of Diplomacy. This prestigious recognition is awarded to the school that best exemplifies the spirit of cooperation, tact, and effective negotiation. In addition to the team’s overall victory, several students were recognized with individual delegate awards for their exceptional leadership within their committees.
Model UN is more than a competition; it is an opportunity for students to step into the roles of world leaders and problem-solvers. Through this experience, our delegates gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations and the necessity of respectful advocacy. Programs like this empower young people to think critically and participate meaningfully in the global community.
The success of this trip demonstrates that the next generation of leaders is already here. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing Henry Clay’s legacy of excellence in diplomacy as we travel to the North American Invitational Model United Nations conference, hosted by Georgetown University next month in Washington, D.C. This event stands as one of the largest and most prestigious international Model UN conferences in the world, featuring delegations from every continent.
Robbie Biddle
Henry Clay High School
Fayette County Public Schools
9-12 Grades
