The Skilled Model UN Team

What in the world is Model UN? First of all, UN stands for United Nations. Basically, it is a meeting where groups of ambassadors from different countries meet together and discuss each country’s problems. They then come up with solutions to resolve the problems. Model UN is where kids from different schools represent different countries. According to James Smith, a ninth grader on the Model UN team at Springville Junior High, schools choose the countries they represent by first come first serve.SJHS is representing Ireland.

The Model UN team attends meetings and debates. Recently, they went to a competition at BYU. Mr. Hansen said, “They did really well!” The team had another competition on November second at BYU, and did really well also. To prepare for the competitions, the team learns all about parliamentary procedure, and then learn as much as they can about their country. They then write speeches and position papers. Finally, they will then practice diplomacy to encourage other countries to join,and form resolutions, and benefit from it.

Only ninth graders can join Model UN. But students need to be very committed if they want to stay on. Members seem to enjoy Model UN. According to Peter Kucherak, a ninth grader at SJHS, it’s a lot of work. Mrs. Carpenter said, “Their new skills will help these students be leaders in the future. They've got skills!”