King School’s Model UN team made an impressive showing at the 2024 Brown University Simulation of the United Nations (BUSUN), where 16 upper school students tackled global issues alongside high school delegates nationwide.

Senior Kate Persily’s portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in a committee simulating the 1973 student uprising against Greece’s military dictatorship stood out, winning her the prestigious Best Delegate award for the second year in a row.

Reflecting on the experience, Kate shared that participating in Model UN since Grade 9 has been transformative, helping her become more informed, collaborative, and skilled in diplomacy. 

"I had to be especially strategic and creative and tap into the diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking techniques I have developed during my time in Model UN," she explained. 

This year, she was particularly inspired by guidance from club advisor Christos Galanopoulos, who lived in Greece during the uprising. “His enthusiasm regarding this committee made it resonate and motivated me to do my very best.”

Galanopoulos and history and social sciences teacher John Harrison accompanied the King delegation at the event, which took place from Friday, November 8, through Sunday, November 10. 

The team's camaraderie and support for each other were evident throughout the weekend as students dove into complex topics like transnational firearms trafficking, human rights in refugee camps, and the ethics of AI development. Between sessions, the group shared successes and mistakes, always encouraging each other to keep trying.

"It was truly wonderful to see our students actively and seriously engaged in a highly competitive venue and an intellectually charged atmosphere,” shared Galanopoulos. “They gained invaluable experiences and knowledge of major problems facing humanity and the Earth." 

Congratulations to all of the following students who participated in this year’s conference:
Oliva Asnes ’25
Joaquin Arteta ’26
Jaipal Dohil ’25
Charlotte Frank ’25
Ryan Jakubowski ’26
Thomas Jennings ’25
Ian Kurlander ’27
Hathaway Liparidis ’26
Max Marti ’27
Nicholas Marti ’27
Justine Marque ’27
Raphael Monteiro ’25
Cyrus Noren ’26
Noor Nomani ’27
Kate Persily ’25 | Winner - Best Delegate
Isabella Ryan ’28
Lucia Vivanco ’26
Leon Wang ’26