In Conor Baranski’s International Relations class at Sandpoint High School, 27 juniors and seniors aren’t just learning about international conflicts and how to find them on a map. They are living them as real-world diplomats from France, China, and Denmark (and more) as they prepare to attend the most prestigious Model United Nations conference in the world – National High School Model United Nations Conference (NHSMUNC). 

You can see some highlights from one class session we attended in December: 

Local volunteer Eric Siriprakorn, who built a career in national security in Washington, D.C., credits his Model UN (MUN) experience as formative in shaping who he is today. Now living in Sandpoint, he learned about Mr. Baranski’s class and volunteers, moderating classroom sessions and giving students the benefit of real-world expertise.

Early in the year, Eric leads students through their first MUN simulations of international conflicts (in this case, a refugee crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo). Throughout the school year, students will simultaneously work on their research abilities, presentation and public-speaking skills, and their ability to collaborate and persuade in a group setting. That all culminates in the National High School Model United Nations conference in NYC in March. They will have spent months researching, collaborating, and writing position papers, learning the protocols, and working towards solutions for real-world issues. In NYC, they are in for a week of high-intensity role-play, where their soft skills—persuasion, collaboration, and public speaking—are tested in real time as they work to pass resolutions that solve these problems.

“In my 13 years as a varsity coach, the bonds created from high-pressure situations are so much richer than normal teacher-to-student relationships,” Baranski explains. “The conference pushes students beyond what they thought possible, and they come home changed.”

But of course, funding is key to making this work. Travel to NYC, conference fees, and accommodations all add up quickly and are not covered in the curriculum. Last year, when an unexpected conference cancellation eliminated one of their significant fundraising opportunities, students and their teacher scrambled to make it work.

That’s where the community and supporters come in. In February, an International Dinner fundraiser will be held at the Sandpoint Center with Marigold Bistro, where neighbors, parents, and supporters have shown up in force.”It is humbling and inspiring to see how much the community comes out to support these students and this cause,” Baranski reflected.

This year, a PAFE Teacher Grant of $2,500 helped cover some of the costs.

With PAFE support, the class can spend less time fundraising and more time tackling global challenges. Every donation helps ensure that every student who wants to attend can go, regardless of their family’s financial situation, because learning at this level shouldn’t depend on who can afford it.

The impact extends far beyond the classroom. Sandpoint students return from this experience with expanded worldviews, stronger civic engagement, and often a deepened appreciation for their small-town roots.

“A week-long trip to NYC really broadens their perspective of the world,” notes Baranski, “and oftentimes adds to their appreciation of our wonderful small town.”

Maybe some of these students will go on to shape democracy in their future, but that’s not the goal. They learn how to research, collaborate, communicate effectively, and most of all, practice public speaking. They’re learning to listen across differences, build consensus, advocate for solutions, and engage constructively with people who see the world differently. 

Our teacher grants support Lake Pend Oreille School District educators to bring creative and innovative programs to the classroom. Because they are teacher-led ideas and not mandated by external parties, they have a far greater impact on students. These grants fill gaps in funding with innovative programs to amplify our impact. Your support is crucial in sustaining and expanding these initiatives. If you’d like to be a part of this, you can donate here.