The Shamans of ShawMUN

21 April 2015Kimmi G, Hope ‘15, Article and Photos

Although they would soon emerge from their shells, like a herd of obsequious turtles, Brentwood delegates arrived at ShawMUN’15. Hosted by Shawnigan Lake School, the conference took place throughout their campus on April 10th and 11th. Spiffed up students showcased their business attire during the intense committee discussions and many found a niche within the exciting world of politically informed debate. As we shuffled into the Opening Ceremonies, a buzz emitted from the anxious crowd before Mr. David Robertson, Shawnigan Lake School’s Headmaster, approached the podium; with a warm welcome, he encouraged students to “use” their words, and the power they possess, while trying to achieve “a more compassionate ‘world view’”. Then Moussa Magassa, the Keynote Speaker, a Human Rights Educator at the University of Victoria, spoke of his goal to engage youth in the world’s challenges. “Think globally, act locally,” was the catchy phrase he urged delegates to adopt. The gavel dropped and the sessions began. From FIFA funding improvements, to the Financial Fair Play rule, to the Juniour General Assembly – home base for the wee grade eights – discussing the legalities and ethical implications of drone usage, a wide variety of committees with “varying degrees of skill and intensity” were offered and delved into for the sake of harmonious nations. “ShawMUN’15 was as good as all the ones before, but with some more diverse appeal – with the Organisation Internationale de la Francaphonie. A lot of these kids do not get the chance to debate in French during their usual tournaments, so this is a great opportunity to showcase their talents,” observed Jordan S, Privett ’15. A Back to the Future (1985) themed dance and long hours of note passing cruised by like a trip in the DeLorean; the action-packed 24 hours of resolution editing forged friendships between different schools across Vancouver Island, or, at least gave some delegates a chance to catch up with past committee members from Brentwood’s IMUN. Of 31 Brentwood delegates, a whopping nine came away with awards. To win an award, a delegate must display outstanding characteristics of leadership, creative thinking, diplomacy, and much more. The Brentwood winners recipients are Georgia P, ‘16 – Best Press Corps Delegate Alejandro G, ’17 – Best Delegate for FIFA Michael L, ’19 – Best Delegate for the Junior General Assembly Paul B, ’16 – Most Outstanding Delegate for the Triple Entente David K, ’16 – Most Outstanding Delegate for Historical Committee Ben W, ’16 – Best Delegate for Chinese delegation of the HK2047 Wyatt T, ‘16 – Most Outstanding Delegate for Hong Kong 2047 Joe B ’17 – Honourable Mention for the Senior General Assembly Ender M, ’17 – Honourable Mention Press Corps Delegate Brentwood delegates have worked their magic again—get it? That was the entire purpose of the title, that punch line. Many thanks to our devoted Debate/MUN coaches, Mr. Bryant and Ms. Steele-MacInnis, who left Saturday afternoon with “heartfelt pride and gratitude for the students’ efforts,” Mr. Ayre for his nonchalant chaperoning style, and to Calder M, Privett ’15 and Kevin D, Whittall ’15, for their outstanding organization. Kimmi G, Hope ‘15, Article and Photos

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