Gallatin MUN 2025
“Motion to suspend Montana Model UN until next year!”
Secretary-General Kynsleigh Gould said as they tapped their gavel, dismissing the 60th annual Montana Model United Nations conference. After the claps, sighs of relief expelled from many Gallatin students as they reached the end of an era and months of preparation. From November 23rd to the 25th, 44 Gallatin students represented eleven countries, ranging from Venezula to the United Kingdom.
Starting in September, students funneled into advisor Logan Aytes’ room, having no idea what they were about to get themselves into. The learning curve was significant, especially for the majority of students who were new to the club.
Gallatin’s showing in Missoula was aided by the chapter’s leadership team. Senior Rhea Lowe and Gallatin Model UN’s Vice President spoke to the growth she saw from last year: “Hearing our school called for outstanding large delegation after barely having 20 students and being a small delegation the year prior was a testement to the hard work fellow Raptors put into to the conference and the preparation required,” she said.
Gallatin beat out Missoula’s Hellgate High School, which sent about 20 more students to the conference than GHS, for the top school award. Lowe joined Gallatin Model UN as a sophomore when she said there were around 10 members.
For returning competitors like the senior, the growth of Gallatin’s team was incredible to see, watching students collaborate with each other, growing their understanding of international relations.
The opportunities that Montana Model UN provides students can be substantial.
Rhea Lowe and Ezra Graham, who will graduate in June, won $1,000 scholarships to attend the Univeristy of Montana, opening up the opportunity to receive the Bess Reed and Dallas J. Reed Memorial Model United Nations Scholarship and the Minnie Spurgin Fullam Montana Model United Nations Scholarship.
Multiple other students received recognition for being in the top 20%, 10%, or 1-2% of their UN commitee. Twelve Gallatin students were also recognized for top position papers, which summarized delegates’ positions on two key issues addressed during the conference in each commitee.
Further, any sophomore or junior Montana Model UN participant receives preference for a fully funded two-week exchange program to Taiwan, coordinated by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center. Applications for the program closed in early December.
The miriad of opportunities is a true reflection of the immersive lessons brought by Montana Model UN. In a collection of experiences and laughs, the days were filled with excitement, carried on by the thought of what was coming next.
Elina Jiang and two members of Raptor Report’s editorial staff are a part of the GHS Model UN team.
