Students at Weston Middle School learned more about the United Nations on October 24, observing the 79^th anniversary of the founding of the international organization.

The event began with members of the Weston High School Model UN Club raising the U.S. and United Nations flags at the middle school. Inside, middle school Principal Dan Doak led a program of speakers and musical performances, attended by members of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut, which sponsored the event.

Actor and activist James Naughton delivered opening remarks, speaking about the history of the UN and its significance in the world. A message from UN Secretary General António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres was read by WHS Model UN Club member Winston Revzon.

Bruce Matos, the club’s secretary general, spoke about why the UN is important today, and members of the club spoke about how the UN’s sustainable goals are being pursued in Weston. The middle school’s seventh grade band performed, as did the Weston High School Chamber Singers.

In her closing remarks, Renate Roehl, faculty advisor to the UN Club, asked students to think about “ways to start being united, work with people around you, and make the world better.” She quoted Amelia Earhart, who once said, “If enough of us keep trying, we will finally get somewhere.”

Mr. Doak

Members of the UNASWCT

Mr. Naughton

Mr. Revzon

Mr. Matos

Ms. Roehl