By Dr. Mark McGraw, Lecturer in Spanish and director of the Baylor Model Organization of American States Program
Baylor OAS delegation representing Mexico
On Nov. 10-12, 2023, the Eugene Scassa Mock Organization of American States (ESMOAS) Program’s 27th Summit of the Americas was held at Baylor University.
Competing against universities from throughout Texas and Mexico, Baylor fielded two delegations that represented Nicaragua and Mexico in committees that addressed security, democracy, and development in the hemisphere. The committees debated resolutions to protect against cyber threats, combat disinformation, protect journalists, and create more sustainable cities.
Baylor’s Michael Jordan (Senior, University Scholar, Harker Heights,) served as the Secretary General and Parliamentarian for the summit and Sam Joyce (Junior, International Studies, Chicago, Illinois) served as the Security Committee Chair. Vanessa Cham (Senior, Neuroscience, Rockwall, Texas) was selected as the Outstanding Ambassador in her role as President of Mexico. The Nicaragua delegation, led by Kenton Shieh (Sophomore, History, Cupertino, California) won the Dr. Joan Supplee Award for Outstanding Position Paper. Noah Aune (Junior, Political Science, San Antonio, Texas) was recognized as Distinguished Delegate in the Democracy Committee and Nick Hernandez (Junior, American Studies, Navasota, Texas) was selected by his peers as the Outstanding Delegate in the Security Committee. Nick Starr (Senior, Political Science, Bentonville, Arkansas) wrote the Outstanding Resolution in the Democracy Committee. Sam Joyce was selected to serve as Parliamentarian and Nick Hernandez won a Committee Chair for next year’s summit.
Baylor OAS delegation representing Nicaragua
Other Baylor delegates were Oscar Camarillo (Senior, Political Science, Dallas, Texas), Julia Mendes (Junior, International Studies, Hudson, New Hampshire), Zacarri Walker (Junior, International Studies, Bowie, Maryland), Madeline Lowrie (Senior, Political Science, Anacortes, Washington).
The Baylor MOAS team will compete in the Washington D.C. Summit on April 8-12, 2024.
Baylor MOAS is advised by Dr. Mark McGraw, Lecturer in Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures.
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Photo credit: Autumn Hyles