> 2001-2002 > 2000-2001 > 1999-2000

As many probably noted, several students were missing the last two days of Winter Carnival. Rather than compete in the final days of the intense battle, they worked together at the Model United Nations University of Chicago (MUNUC) conference.

Model United Nations is a student simulation of the real United Nations. "In Model United Nations, the problems of the real world are brought to life giving student delegates a better opportunity to understand them," states Kristen Hayashi '03, a returning member of the Model U.N. team. Students, representing different nations, work together towards a peaceful resolution of global problems.

This year Latin had its biggest delegation ever, sending 30 students to this four-day competition.

MUNUC, held at the Palmer House Hilton, begins with opening ceremonies in which a guest speaker discusses current issues. Delegates then proceed to their respective committee sessions to begin debate. Students do receive some free time to relax from the intensive and long hours of work put into a day. Students are rewarded with a dance in one of the most elaborate ballrooms at the Palmer House on the last night of competition. Unfortunately all must come to an end and closing ceremonies, which includes awards, takes place on the last day.

Before the actual meet took place, students from Latin prepared themselves on a weekly basis. Under the supervision of Mrs. Jill Acker, the faculty head, and student chairs, juniors Philip Arnolds, Matt Canfield, Meredith Krohn-Friedson, and Luis Zepeda, the group made sure to have weekly meetings. At meetings students discussed current world events, issues that would be discussed at the meet, skills they needed to work on (vocabulary, writing, and speech presentation) and writing position papers. Also, the Latin team was able to have guest speakers from the actual MUNUC staff, in which all of the previously stated points were further discussed.

Out of the 2,200 students who competed in the international meet this year about 54 awards were given. Fortunately, Latin was able to walk away with 3 awards. A Verbal Commendation was given to Nick Sainati and Garrett Jones; an Honorary Delegate Award was given to Julia Dimon and Luis Zepeda; and an Outstanding Delegate award was given to Meredith Krohn-Friedson and Claire Cameron.

by Luis Zepeda '03