The Latin School of Chicago

For some students at Latin a future as a world leader may not be far off. Members of the school's model United Nations team, representing Japan, have repeatedly proven that they can tackle any international issue or crisis, big or small, with great aplomb.

On February 3, the team joined approximately 2,000 students from more than 200 schools at the Palmer House Hilton for the University of Chicago Model UN conference, one of the largest meets in the nation. Well-informed presentations and debate helped Senior Jennifer Burdick and Freshman Philip Arnolds, who was representing Latin at his first competition, bring home outstanding delegates awards for their representation on the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

The team overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles on January 20 to participate in the prestigious University of Michigan Model UN competition. Because heavy snows made it impossible to travel by van, 14 Amtrak tickets were purchased at a moment's notice and the group took the train to Ann Arbor, missing the first two hours of the conference because of delays.

During the three-day event, Latin's 14-person delegation, again representing Japan, competed against other high schools from Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana. Seniors Erica Esser and Jennifer Bernstein, working on the Social Cultural Humanitarian Committee, received special awards and successfully negotiated the passage of a crucial resolution. Jennifer Burdick and junior Andrew Block were recognized with an award. Meanwhile, David Kargman and Gabby Berger were influential enough on the Economic Commission to change the world's dominant currency from dollars to yen.

Latin history teacher, Jill Acker, who supervises the team, says hours of preparation and research contributed to the group's successes during the two conferences. Under the leadership of Erica Esser and Jennifer Burdick, students learned about Japan's foreign and domestic policy and wrote position papers on topics ranging from electronic information and restructuring the Security Council to Cambodia and the legitimate use of force in Kosovo.

"The students found that being a world power from the first time proved especially fascinating and challenging," Acker said.

Other students included seniors Helen Tewelde, Maaza Mehzun, and Nora Sarrawi; juniors Lisa Hausler, Chelsea Ross, Laura Schmidt, Jason Sherwin, Ayaka Emoto, and Blake Bible; freshmen Luis Zepeda, Matt Canfield, Gabrielle Berger, and Claire Cameron.

---First published in LATIN TODAY