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Jack LaBarca is a social studies teacher with 17 years of experience, including the past 14 years at Trumbull High School, where he teaches AP Comparative Government, AP Psychology, Honors Psychology, and U.S. Government. Since 2013, he has served as advisor to the THS Model United Nations Club, helping students develop skills in public speaking, debate, diplomacy, and global awareness.
Under his leadership, students have attended conferences in Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C., including conferences hosted by Boston University, the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University, Boston College, Yale, Cornell, and Dartmouth. The club has also hosted its own conference, TMUNI, for several years and has supported fundraising efforts for UNICEF and other charitable organizations.
This year marks the first THS Model United Nations Summer Camp, and we look forward to connecting with middle school students and introducing them to the exciting world of Model UN this summer.
Contact jlabarca@trumbullps.org
Rohan Ragupathy - 2027
Cole Jennings-Lax - 2027
My name is Cole Jennings-Lax, I have done Model UN for three years, and I have been on every club trip (six conferences), my favorite of which had been BOSMUN. My skills in public speaking and social networking have been significantly improved through MUN, and I find it very exciting to debate humanitarian, ethical issues. In my free time, I look to cook, play and watch football with my friends, and fish.
Henry Lazowski - 2027
Daniela Monroy-Montoya - 2027
I've been in Model UN for 3 years since my Freshman year, and am so excited to go into my 4th year for my Senior year!
My favorite conference I've attended was BOSMUN hosted by Boston University in 2025, where I participated in a SCOTUS mock trial case.
Model UN has most strongly improved my public speaking and collaboration skills, as I now feel more comfortable speaking in front of larger groups of people and working in a timed setting.
One fun fact about me is that I'm also a swim instructor and lifeguard! I love working with others knowing I'm contributing to their lives in a positive way.
Nick Gilman - 2027
I have participated for three years in Model UN, and my favorite conference was WAMUNC, the community during that trip made it one of my favorite high school experiences of all time!
I would say it has helped me improve my public speaking skills and collaboration with others.
A fun fact about me is that I am a former martial arts practitioner and black belt in karate!
I’m someone who enjoys meeting new people and being part of a strong community like Model UN. I try to bring a positive and carefree attitude wherever I go. "You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting." —S. Skywalker
Joceyln Chen - 2027
Hello! My name is Jocelyn Chen and I'm a rising senior at Trumbull High School! I have been doing Model UN for 3 years. My favorite conference was NHSMUN because of the diverse people I met through it. I met people from all over the country, including from Europe, Asia, and the Americas! Outside of Model UN, I enjoy doing dance, specifically ballet. I also love walking my rabbit, Juno!! I hope you join this club, and I promise you won't regret being part of this family!!
Zeke Vangaurdia - 2027
My name is Zeke Vanguardia, and I am a rising senior at Trumbull High School. I have been in involved in the Model United Nations Club since my freshman year! Outside of Model UN, I am a Co-President of the Environmental Club, as well as a member of Student Council and the Science National Honors Society.
My favorite conferences have been at the Washington Area Model UN Conference (WAMUNC), where I was the delegate of South Korea for the ASEAN Committee. This experience reinforced my understanding of international cooperation in cybersecurity educational efforts when addressing issues such as unstable landscapes or economic disparities. My time at Model UN has led to unforgettable memories, from having the ability to experiment with my public speaking skills to forging new friendships across the globe.
Evonne Chen - 2027
I have been in model for 2 years since I came back to Trumbull my sophomore year. My favorite conference was WAMUNC last year in DC hosted by George Washington University.
Model UN has helped me improve my public speaking skills significantly and made me more confident in front of large audiences. One fun fact is that I am on the varsity track and tennis team. .
Sambit Sharma - 2029
Hello! My name is Sambit Sharma, and I am a rising sophomore at Trumbull High School. I have been a part of Model UN for one year. This may not seem like a lot, but through the course of that year, Model UN has greatly helped improve my research, presentation, and communication skills. Outside of Model UN, I also enjoy playing soccer. I played for the high school soccer team and currently play for Inter CT. Another fun fact about me is that I have a little sister who is a rising 5th grader. I hope that you join and enjoy this wonderful Model UN experience!
Jax Stranahan - 2029
Model UN has help me improve my confidence in public speaking. My favorite hobby outside of Model UN is Pole Vault at Track and Drawing. I have participated in Model UN for one year
Conference Gallery from our Trips this year. Ivy League Model United Nations Conference in Philadelphia and the National High School MUN Conference in New York City