Bobcat Stories

Model United Nations (Model UN) has a long, successful history under the guidance of Humanities Department Leader, Dr. Erin Zavitz. But with increased responsibilities in the Senior Capstone Program, she needed to take something off her plate this academic year, which meant a replacement sponsor. Model UN student leaders Marcus (‘26) and Gavin (‘26) made their case to a few staffulty members. Who would step up to the challenge and keep this much-acclaimed program alive and thriving? As luck would have it, an unexpected duo emerged: new Head of Upper School, Chip Miller, and Upper School Administrative Assistant, Diego Garcia.

Mr. Miller had some experience with Model UN at his previous schools. Still, it was all new to Diego, so, despite their trepidation, they knew they had to develop an immediate, intense partnership with the students. They learned by doing, as so much good education requires. Dr. Zavitz provided guidance on a timeline and organization, as well as other helpful recommendations. And she wasn’t the only help. Dr. Kathy Powers, a Bosque School parent and UNM professor, invited the Model UN students to visit one of her International Relations 300-level classes. There, the students watched a real-world United Nations speech, listened to two professors discuss their UNM programs, and, most impressively, asked sharp, informed questions. It was a good sign, especially because our students distinguished themselves by asking more questions than the college students.

As the November Santa Fe conference approached, the students’ biggest task was to research and write a position paper for their country: a short written paper used to establish their position on three topics in the upcoming conference, which would be read aloud to each committee. Model UN students are among the most committed, involved Bosque School students, with many obligations. So, it was amazing that, with only one day left, the group came together for one last meeting before Santa Fe to format and complete all the position papers, students typing as if there were no tomorrow. Just seconds before the 9:00 pm deadline, the last one was submitted.

On the first Wednesday afternoon in Santa Fe, Mr. Miller and Diego felt like they were wrangling a bunch of loose animals on a farm. Some students were wearing suits, while others were still in sweatpants. It was a grave reminder about the importance of experience, as the sponsors had not done this before, and only a few of the kids themselves had. They all were figuring it out as they went.

The Roundhouse is one of those buildings that gets much bigger on the inside. About 1,000 people fit into the chamber where real senators sit and where the General Assembly committee will take place over the next three days. The new New Mexico Model UN President spoke quietly, gave thanks, and introduced the opening speaker, David Killion, a former diplomat appointed by President Obama in 2009. After his interview-style opening statements, our students were eager participants in the question-and-answer period, showing again their inquisitive and perceptive approach to the roles they were soon to play.

In the first session that day, each country presented its position paper to the committees, reading to as few as 40 students and as many as 120. Pizza fueled the evening’s activities, which included games, sleep, stubbing toes on cabinet edges, talking, and more research.

Day two was crisp. One of the late-joining students, who initially didn’t even know what a position paper was, completely turned the tables and began participating at any chance she could. It was quite impressive. Then, did Mr. Miller and Diego hear loud delegates overpowering the room? Did they see delegates popping up and down like whack-a-mole to get a speaking turn and stumble over their words when they were called on? Did they see notes being passed around like 10-year-olds who couldn’t control their love pleas? Did they finally realize that’s how it’s done! Did they see A.I. being used? Really? Were the chairs of certain delegations consistently glancing over at our students? Was that a good or bad sign? And, overwhelmed by the pace and intensity of the day, did they also have to plan an activity for later that evening?

Lunch at the traditional all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet just down the street was nice, especially walking there in the rain. Yes, this is how it’s done.

The afternoon session cranked up even more: new papers were written, countries changed their stances on other countries, and there were many, many calls for extensions and clarification of drafts. They were in the thick of it, veterans doing well, newbies trying as they might to make an impression.

Following the afternoon session, they rushed to Meow Wolf. Students spent an hour there, walking around, a crazy sensory experience that was an ideal reset from the previous eight hours of analytical and argumentative thinking. And then, of course, since it was 7:00 pm and they had a budget, more pizza for dinner.

Day three, the final day. Suited up, they headed to the roundhouse for the last time, trying to finalize everything they’d been working on. The sponsor duo bolted from committee to committee to see their students in action, thinking, We can practice this for next year. We can do everything better for next year. Then Diego thought, They already knew; they just needed a place to do it, and I was just lucky to see it in action.

Every time the Bosque School students spoke, it was with poise, grounding, and informativeness, a humbling display of what high school students can achieve, seemingly on their own. Then, all of a sudden, it was time to gather again in the General Assembly chamber for the presentation of awards. First, Rhys (‘28) got an award for Outstanding Delegate for his work in the UN Environmental Assembly, representing Cyprus. Next, Audrey H. (‘28) got the same award for her work in the Economic and Social Council, representing Canada. Third, Gavin. (‘26) and Gray (‘26) got Outstanding Delegation for their work in the Human Rights Council, representing Canada. And lastly, Marcus (‘26) earned Best Delegate for General Assembly, representing Canada.

Triumph. Tears. Arms held toward the sky. Biting down on medals. Hugs. And of course, pictures. And the two new sponsors are thinking, these amazing kids, they did all this themselves.

On the way back, there was a Starbucks stop, and then a triumphant hour spent listening to music, jamming down the I-25 toward home, night being gloriously pulled over the sky, and the stars a mirror to the flashes of celebration.