Craft Academy students put global leadership skills into practice at KUNA
Students from the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics recently participated in the Kentucky United Nations Assembly, a statewide conference focused on diplomacy, leadership and international collaboration.
Hosted by the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association, KUNA immerses students in a hands-on simulation of the United Nations, where delegates draft resolutions, debate global issues and collaborate with peers from across Kentucky. Craft Students represented Iceland at KUNA, held this spring in Louisville.
Throughout the conference, students developed leadership, public speaking and critical-thinking skills while debating issues including climate change, human rights and global security. Craft Academy students represented Iceland during the event, an assignment that held special significance as the academy prepares for a study-abroad trip to Iceland this summer.
“A meaningful assignment as the academy prepares for a study-abroad trip there this summer,” said Dr. Rachel Rogers (Class of 2000, 2003, 2004, 2014), visiting assistant professor of research & Craft QEP. “Delegates embraced the responsibility of thinking, speaking, and voting in alignment with Iceland’s values and policies while drafting and debating resolutions addressing issues such as human rights, climate change, and global security."
The delegation included:
- James Aramini, Berea
- Natalie Brooks, Rogers
- Jordan Handy, London
- Ada Valentine, Heidrick
- Nate Italiano, Florence
- Ellis Kidwell, Camp Dix
- Kara Mabry, Grayson
- Adison Newman, Raceland
- Heather Ott, Owingsville
- Joe Reader, Louisville
- Jordan Richmond, Olive Hill
- Carter Schmidt, Nicholasville
- Kya Taylor, Olive Hill
- Hayden Thomas, Bardstown
Students served in a variety of leadership and delegate roles throughout the conference, including ambassadors, resolution sponsors, security council representatives, International Court of Justice advocates, media corps delegates and supporting officers.
Among the delegation’s accomplishments were Outstanding Statesmanship and Premier Delegation honors. Heather Ott was named Outstanding Ambassador and later elected vice president of the General Assembly. Hayden Thomas earned ICJ Showcase Round Winner honors, while Kara Mabry successfully passed a resolution in the Security Council. Adison Newman and Ellis Kidwell received School’s Choice Resolution recognition, passed their resolution in the Voting Committee, earned Secretary-General approval and were both recognized as Outstanding Speakers.
Outside of formal debate sessions, students participated in the World Expo and International Stage, sharing and celebrating Icelandic culture while building friendships with students from across the Commonwealth.
“While the awards were a proud reflection of the delegation’s hard work, some of the most meaningful moments happened beyond the committee rooms,” Rogers said. “On the bus ride home from Louisville, senior delegates shared heartfelt speeches reflecting on their time in Student-Y, the friendships they formed, and the leadership they developed along the way.”
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with a postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior high school years by enrolling in college courses. The Craft Academy aims to meet the unique educational needs of the Commonwealth's academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. The academic rigor of the Craft Academy challenges students to excel at their highest level through project-based STEM+X courses and hands-on learning experiences emphasizing innovation, design, creativity, and civic and regional engagement.
To learn more about the program, contact the academy at craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2093.
