Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 10, 2026 ~ Excellence in the Malden Public Schools ~ MODEL UN: Malden High students debate topical world issues Nuclear energy, weapons on docket as Mideast war looms in real time By Steve Freker U sually this type of “ripped from the headlines” fare is relegated to the popular, long-running true crime television franchise “Law & Order.” Recently at Malden High School, close to 400 History students in the junior Class of 2027 participated in the annual ritual of debate called Model United Nations. At Malden High, junior students enrolled in College Prep or Honors Modern World History participate in a gradewide roleplay of the UN with students working in pairs to represent countries and discuss with other representatives how to protect and help their country’s citizens with regard to the omnipresent issue of nuclear power. This year, Model UN quite literally seemed to be in real time, as Malden High students debated the use of nuclear energy — for better or worse — as seen through the eyes of many of the formal UN’s nearly 200 member nations. In the course of the twoday sessions held in the MHS spacious Gallery area, the mood of most of the students roleplaying as UN member nation diplomats was decidedly anti-nuclear power. There was near unanimity against nuclear weapons, their manufacture, stockpiling and ultimately, their use. All of this debate was waged From left: Malden High Social Studies educator and team leader Kurtis Sheer, United Nations Association of Greater Boston Director of Teaching & Learning Shannon Coyle and Malden Mayor Gary Christenson at the MHS Model United Nations. (Advocate Photo) 50 in Malden, while just under 6,000 miles east, a full-blown war raged on in the Mideast with Israel and the United States against Iran. The main premise of the war, as voiced by both the leaders of the United States and Israel, was to ensure Iran would never be able to produce nuclear weapons. Malden High School teacher leader Kurtis Sheer, who coordinated the event — in its 17th year running at MHS — along with his Social Studies department colleagues, said he continues to be impressed as to the depth of effort students put into this annual exercise. “They show how precise and thorough they have been in their research in the course of their presentations,” Sheer said, “this year, more than ever, with what is going on in the world at this time.” Sheer said the skills that are needed to project themselves as roleplaying diplomats of the “adopted” countries have high value to the students who participate. In addition to the great experience the students receive in the form of solid, “real time” Eduardo and Juan speak as diplomats from Spain at the microphone during Model UN. (Advocate Photo) research, public speaking and debate, “you can sense the feeling of satisfaction the students have when they have appeared at the microphone and made their statements,” Sheer added. On hand supporting the event were Superintendent of Schools Timothy Sippel, Ed.L.D., Malden Mayor Gary Christenson — who also serves as chairperson of the Malden School Committee, and Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo. The Model UN is a highlight of the school year, according to ninth-year Principal Mastrangelo. “Our students take this seriously and it is one of our favorite events of the year,” Mastrangelo said. “One key facet of our school mission is to encourage and educate our kids to make a difference in the world, and Model UN is a great vehicle to show them how to accomplish it.” Mayor Gary Christenson observes the Model UN in action as Ryan and Thomas look on from the audience. (Advocate Photo)
3 Publizr Home