Model United Nations sent ninth graders and sophomores to a training Model UN conference at Carl Sandburg High School on Oct. 2 where the team had a strong showing. 

The goal going into this competition was for ninth graders and sophomores to get their first experience of in-person Model UN. Ninth graders had over a week to prepare, and sophomores had to adjust to the in-person competition style. 

While there were no expectations of competing for awards according to Saul Arnow, secretary-general of U-High’s Model UN, some students picked up prizes. 

“I’ve been so impressed with them. The freshmen are remarkable,” Saul said. “I mean they had only been doing MUN for a week, and yet, you know, by the time they got to the conference all of them knew what they were doing, and a lot of them placed, which was really impressive.”

Ninth grader Raza Zaidi enjoyed the experience of his first Model UN conference, and he hopes to build on his competition performances. 

“It was fun competing and trying to win over people and have them vote for your ideas,” Raza said.  

Saul is pleased with the good work so far and optimistic of MUN’s success this year.

“I’m feeling really really good, I’m excited,” Saul said. “I think that everyone prepared really really well last year, and their skills are really paying off this year, and I think we’re gonna continue our tradition of winning.” 

MUN’s next conference will be in-person at St. Ignatius High School Nov. 6, followed by a virtual conference hosted by Princeton University Nov. 11-14.