Jonathan Blackman ‘24 Stands Out to Win
“I voiced my perspective and I spoke a lot. I made it clear that I was there and I collaborated with others, which was also important.” Grade 11 student Jonathan Blackman knows the value of presentation and preparation — both were key in his win as Outstanding Delegate at the 2021 Secondary Schools’ United Nations Symposium (SSUNS). In it, he role-played Alberta Premier Jason Kenny as a member of a crisis committee with the key assignment of moving Alberta towards independence.
“I didn’t go in with super high expectations because it was my first time doing it,” Blackman said. He did a lot of research on his position before he went in, and participated in workshops to familiarize himself with crisis committees. “In order to win, you have to be really strong at caucusing," shared Geoff Green, Upper School geography teacher and advisor for the Crescent Model UN Club. "You need people to vote for your resolution. That’s the goal.” As Kenny, Blackman used his debate skills and collaboration to persuade other participants over to his side.
“I didn’t go in with super high expectations because it was my first time doing it,” Blackman said. He did a lot of research on his position before he went in, and participated in workshops to familiarize himself with crisis committees. “In order to win, you have to be really strong at caucusing," shared Geoff Green, Upper School geography teacher and advisor for the Crescent Model UN Club. "You need people to vote for your resolution. That’s the goal.” As Kenny, Blackman used his debate skills and collaboration to persuade other participants over to his side.
Blackman’s well-researched position withstood debates and arguments from opposing parties, earning him Outstanding Delegate. “During the closing ceremonies they announced my character’s name, and that’s when I knew. I was very happy. I had a feeling that there was a good chance after it ended, but with these things you never know. So I was proud of myself.”
