![Cristo Rey's New Model UN Team Competes at SIMUN XXIII]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731861514/cristoreynet/depq93e2fweai9avbyyx/ModelUNNov24.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731861514/cristoreynet/depq93e2fweai9avbyyx/ModelUNNov24.jpg","width":400}])
On November 2, Cristo Rey participated in the St. Ignatius Model United Nations XXIII Conference (SIMUN), the largest single-day high school Model UN conference in the country. This highly competitive event featured over 1,000 delegates from across the Midwest. The new Cristo Rey team of 10 seniors – known as REYMUN – were accompanied by first-year Cristo Rey teachers Peter Haleas and ACE program teacher Uku Urb.
In Model United Nations events, students simulate the actual United Nations by giving speeches, negotiating deals, and creating and voting on resolutions to address real-world issues. This experience is invaluable for developing self-confidence, public speaking, debate skills, and global awareness.
Peter Haleas, who joined Cristo Rey as an English teacher in the 2024-25 school year, is an alum of St. Ignatius and a former SIMUN participant. He was eager to get Cristo Rey students involved. “Model UN does amazing things to improve students’ self-confidence, public speaking ability, debate skills, deal-making, and knowledge about the world,” Haleas said. His mother, Diane Haleas, leads SIMUN, which is known as the most successful high school Model UN program in the nation.
Senior Fabian S. joined the newly formed team to work on his public speaking stills. “My interest in pursuing law really pushed me to participate in Model UN. I had a lot of fun and gained tons of experience speaking in front of other fellow delegates when I represented Syria in DISEC!” Fabian said.
“I love meeting new people, seeing different perspectives, immersing myself in challenging conversations, and drafting resolutions,” said senior Juan J. “I hope to pursue politics as a career and being part of Model UN has intensified that desire. Truly a thrilling experience for me when I drafted the resolution letter with an air of contingency and had it passed!”
For Celene D., the Model UN experience is also about making connections. “SIMUN isn't just advocating for issues worldwide; it's a matter of connecting as a society to overrule injustices,” she said. “SIMUN creates bonds, similar to a family. The people that I have met along the way are advocates who want to use their voices, just like mine, to bring about change in our world. My fellow delegates are connections I hope to carry with me for a long time. It truly is an unforgettable experience!”
Although the Cristo Rey team did not place for awards, Haleas was thrilled with their first event. “SIMUN went fantastic!” he said. “Just three weeks after creating the REYMUN program, the students competed at the country’s most competitive high school conference. It was an excellent learning experience and demonstrated that Cristo Rey students can compete with anyone. We’ll be a very competitive Chicagoland team before long!” Haleas added.
The team will get more experience as they compete at various events throughout the year at the University of Chicago Lab School, Francis Parker, and Lyons Township, and more.
Haleas hopes to grow the Cristo Rey Model United Nations program to encourage students to develop their diplomacy skills. He invites any Cristo Rey alumni interested in coaching the team to participate.
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