Springfield Middle scholar recognized at state conference

Innovation Academy scholar Jacob Barnett was among a select group of students recognized as outstanding delegates earlier this month during the 2018 Model United Nations Conference in Murfreesboro.

Each fall, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee sponsors Model United Nations conferences for over 3,000 middle school students from across Tennessee. The goal of the conferences is to educate students about the real world operation of the United Nations as they reenact activities from the organization.

During the conference, students formed delegations to represent member countries' interests in the General Assembly by drafting and debating resolutions. These resolutions cover a wide variety of topics of international concern.

As a representative of Panama, Barnett presented a resolution to bring much needed aid to the deforestation issue affecting that country’s economy, and potentially the well being of the Panama Canal.

He was one of over 500 students in Monday's Model UN in Murfreesboro to present resolutions to be passed by the General Assembly.

Barnett and about 15-20 other students from across the state received outstanding delegate awards. He was specifically chosen for his use of parliamentary procedure, ability to stay in character, leadership skills, and evidence of preparation and research on his country's issues.