On Friday, March 1st, seven students from Clark Avenue Middle School who participate in the school’s International Relations Club (IRC) took a day trip to the United Nations in New York City. The students were accompanied by Grade 7 teachers and chaperones Bryan Sheckman and Stephanie Haffa. During their visit, the group explored the UN facilities, including the Security Council chambers, the General Assembly, and various other exhibits. Once they passed through the security gates, the students understood they were standing in international territory. This awareness proved valuable when a student spilled water in the lobby near the public restrooms—the group narrowly prevented what could have become an international incident by promptly cleaning it up following a unanimous resolution against such occurrences.
The visit served as preparation for the IRC’s upcoming model UN conference scheduled for Friday, March 8th, and gave students insight into the UN’s actual operations. At the United Nations Association of Greater Boston’s annual invitational Model UN conference, which brings together middle school and high school students, IRC delegates will represent Argentina and Germany in the Security Council, World Health Organization, and Food and Agriculture Organization.
The New York trip also included visits to the 9/11 Memorial and Times Square. Throughout the day, students represented themselves as ambassadors of their school, city, and country. The IRC extends its gratitude to the Chelsea Teachers Union and the School Department for their support in making this educational experience possible.
Clark Avenue Middle School’s International Relations Club operates as an after-school enrichment program dedicated to fostering intercultural understanding and citizen diplomacy.