At SJHHS, the academic programs Model United Nations and Academic Decathlon allow students to compete and test their knowledge of politics and current events.

Both programs compete in conferences and competitions throughout the year against other Orange County and South California high schools and middle schools.

John Baker Jr., the adviser for MUN, started the program three years ago, when it was originally an after school club, but transitioned to a zero period class.

MUN delegates, or students who assume the role of representatives of certain countries, are responsible to research, write papers and speeches, and debate over committee topics ranging from environment, social, economic, and political topics.

When asked what students gain from participating in MUN as a delegate, Baker said, “From improving research skills to developing critical leadership skills like public-speaking, leading groups in solving problems, collaborating with others to draft solutions to issues, and presenting them to others who may disagree. And participation in MUN looks great on college-apps!”

Madi Bauman, a senior and the acting Secretary General of the current MUN class, has gained necessary skills that help her in high school and prepare her for college next year.

Bauman said,  “It helps with other classes work as I can use information about current events and apply it to essays. Also, it’s caused me to gain confidence in my speaking ability, and prepares me for news discussion I will have in college. Additionally, it’s guided my college major choice as it created my interest for international affairs.”

Over the years, as interest has grown, the MUN class has expanded in numbers and grade level participation. Although in the past years, few underclassmen have participated, anyone is welcome to join.

Senior Elle Henriksen, a member of MUN for three years, has gained valuable knowledge from her participation in the class.

“MUN has given me a new sense of political awareness. I have a more broad and universal perspective when approaching world issues,” said Henriksen.

Having competed in two conferences so far this school year, MUN will be competing in more after winter break. Many of the students have already won awards for their accomplishments and will continue to improve at future conferences.

Another academic program that represents the scholarly successes of SJHHS is Academic Decathlon.

Danielle Serio and Eric Noble, co-coaches for AcaDeca, lead the club at competitions against other high schools in Orange County. On November 19, the club participated in a scrimmage in preparation for the competition in early 2017.

Coincidentally, the day fell on Coach Serio’s birthday and after competing the team bonded and celebrated at Dave and Buster’s.

Serio said, “At San Juan, we only take one team of nine to competition, which means that we really have a chance to bond together throughout the year. So while students are working to improve their critical thinking and speaking skills, they’re also forming lasting familial bonds with their teammates.”

The AcaDeca team competes in 10 different subjects that they have previously studied since the beginning of the school year.

“You have to compete in every category, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be competitive in every category. AcaDec is all about learning where your strengths are and working with your teammates to improve yourself elsewhere,” said Serio

Senior and captain of the team, Jenna Bowman, has encouraged team bonding at every weekly meeting and study session. Not only has she gained friends, but Bowman has gained preparation for college.

“Academic Decathlon has made me feel more prepared for college and the future. Although keeping up with studying for academic decathlon is difficult, the skills and information I learn far outweigh the extra work,” said Bowman.

Team member of two years, Josh Estrada, said, “It’s really fun learning about different subjects specific to a certain topic. It’s different than learning in school because these subjects are specific to certain countries or events you normally wouldn’t have too much information about already.”

Both MUN and AcaDeca will be competing in the new year, and next school applications for both will be accepted for new members. Contact Mr. Baker (H211) or Mrs. Serio (H207) and Mr. Noble (H107) for more information about joining the programs.