Costa’s Model United Nations (Model UN) team returned from Boston this past February with top honors after competing in the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) 2026 conference, earning the award for Best Large Delegation.
Held annually in Boston, hosted by over 150+ undergraduate students at Harvard University, the conference is widely regarded as one of the most competitive high school Model UN conferences in the country. More than 5,000 high school delegates from over 100 schools and over 50 countries filled the conference halls in the Boston Marriott Copley Place, for four days of debate, drafting, and crisis simulations.
“Having a positive mindset, despite during challenges, really helped me grow as a debater and someone who can adapt to any kind of future challenges,” said senior Model UN teacher assistant Juna Munabe. “During this debate, I was driven by fun and sentimental feelings and honestly I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way. I think letting go of harsh expectations for yourself and actually competing for fun really made this win and debate special.”
For every Costa delegate invited, ranging from first time sophomores to veteran seniors, performed at a high level. For seniors, the trip marked the culmination of years of prep, leadership, and many speeches. Even students who didn’t attend felt the weight of the debate’s reputation.
“You’re negotiating with some of the best students in the country, so there’s definitely pressure,” said sophomore Jamuna Thai.
Sophomore Jordyn Bak competed at Harvard Model UN for the first time this year.
“I was in a committee with 260 people, which was my biggest debate,” said sophomore Jordyn Bak. “It helped me learn a lot of new skills, especially working with such a large group and collaborating with international students.”
The win was more than a trophy, it reinforced Costa’s place on the national stage and showed that Mustangs are skilled in both arguing in class and in real world conversations.
“HMUN was such a fun and amazing experience, and I was so proud of how well the Costa delegates did and that we won Best Large Delegation!” Isabel Boroch, Secretary-General said.
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