The Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) had a strong showing at the recent 53rd annual Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly (SOMA) in Toronto.
This year's annual competition was held at the end of April, bringing together student delegates from far and wide for an international relations simulation event. It is the oldest secondary school run model UN conference and the largest in Canada.
BWDSB had six schools represented at the competition this year, with members in five of the participating school groups receiving awards.
Georgian Bay Community School, Kincardine District Senior School, Owen Sound District Secondary School, Saugeen District Senior School, John Diefenbaker Senior School and Grey Highlands Secondary School all had great showings.
The teams representing the schools and the awards won are as follows:
Georgian Bay Community School (GBCS) – Our team of student diplomats took part in passionate and arduous discussions and debates with 25 other schools. A range of topics were covered, including social and humanitarian needs, restriction of space-based weapons, international cooperation in drug control, and the international community's role in preventing the spread of disease. Our students represented GBCS with poise and professionalism and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Student Neven Barber was recognized as Outstanding Delegate for the World Health Organization Committee. The team was made up of Reese Riddell, Oliver Chapman-Fox, Nova Finlay and Neven Barber.
Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS) – The KDSS Model UN Team had a great time at the SOMA conference, bringing home three awards and a wealth of memories and experiences. From outer space to world finances to overthrowing Big Brother, we did it all! Our team worked so hard to rise to this challenge, and we couldn't be prouder of them. The team featured Tristan Traynor, Ibrahim Syed, Haven Nickel, Aniruddh Tokekar, Latif Mathews, Oliver Wahi, Gethin Brandon, Kendra Newton, Mohamed Lila, Cole Perry, Nate Wahi, Asiya Lila, Tanvi Shah, Esha Gill and Paige Wade.
Owen Sound District Secondary School (OSDSS) – OSDSS students participated at SOMA this year for their third time. The 17 participants joined committees to debate and develop resolutions on topics ranging from immigration crises to outer space pollution to historic issues like the Manhattan Project. The students courageously addressed their committees by outlining the concerns held by their designated country. Fun was had by all, and they deserve a huge “congratulations” for their efforts. The team included London Doyle, Solenne Shute, Layla Umar, Tristin Croft, Arya Villody, Hadee MacDonald, Maddox Leonard, Ocean Croft, Isaac Holovaci, Bennett Firman, Aditri Kazi, Jack Middlebro, Peyton Algera, Hope Jackson, Owen MacIntyre, Rowan Law and Zahraa Alrammahi.
Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) – The SDSS Royals’ participation in the SOMA Model UN event included some first timers and some seasoned veterans. Our students were delegates representing a wide range of topics and countries. It was an experience they will never forget allowing them to develop skills to last a lifetime. Chrystia Freeland was our opening speaker! We are incredibly grateful to our very generous donors for their support: Rotary Club of Southampton, Rotary Club of Port Elgin, Port Elgin Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340, Nuclear Innovation Institute, Chantry Island Cham-bettes, Bruce Power, SDSS Student Activity Council, and Bill Streeter. The team featured Pal Patel, Shrey Desai, Spoorthi Vijayakumar, Paige Blackmore, Asiya Abbas, Ewan Dennison, Hamna Hussain, Stella Huang, Mackenzie Coleman, Jared Huang, Rajvi Shah and Maangly Jani
Grey Highlands Secondary School (GHSS) – The GHSS Model UN Team worked hard over the past few months to practice and prepare for this year's SOMA at the University of Toronto. The school was well represented by the team who worked with other delegates across southern Ontario to help solve world issues. The team was made up of Cassidee Wolfe, Madelaine Pothier, Brooke Maxwell, Presley Hill and Paige Johnson.
John Diefenbaker Senior school (JDSS) – For the past 16 years, our students have participated in SOMA Model UN, building a strong foundation of experience, confidence, and global awareness. This year, a team of 14 students represented JDSS with dedication and enthusiasm. We are especially proud of the balance between our seasoned delegates and the new participants who stepped forward with curiosity and courage. Together, they created a dynamic, supportive environment that reflects both our program’s legacy and its continued growth. The team included Chelsea Koenig, Evie Kingston, Abhinav Satish, Jack Dunlop, Scott Peiman, Brianne Dippel, Sebastian Watt, Ariel Lyon, Maddie Howes, Gilbert Watt, Sophia Koenig, Neveah Suresh, Ava Simpson, Vivian Bender and chaperones Jennifer Morris and Heather Bender.
