The United Nations also known as the UN is an international organization that was formed in 1945, right after World War II to maintain global peace and friendly relations among nations. This organization has been modeled by a variety of high schools all over the World including Cass High School.   

Here at Cass High School, a club called ‘Model UN’ which stands for ‘Model United Nations’ was formed by two of Cass’ brilliant history teachers John Olsen and Jullian Woodward. “Model United Nations is a simulation of the real United Nations where individual students play the role of different countries.” Olsen explained. This academic club puts students’ problem-solving skills to the test!

Students in Model UN learn to solve global issues and how to have better public speaking skills.  Research also plays a big component in Model UN as students must gain an understanding of the issues they are dealing with as well as the countries. There are seven different committees that they represent from a country’s perspective. Each student is required to contribute a little bit of work to the country they are working on rather it be by engaging in more research for the country or writing position papers for committees. To know what needs to be done for each country the club meets every Friday in Olsen’s room.  Most of the time in these meetings, members spend time working on skill sets that help them prepare for conferences as well as trying to achieve an understanding on exactly what is happening in the country they picked. “We worked on what the Model UN conferences look like, and how to be successful within them so we use a lot of that time just kind of brushing up on those skills,” Woodward disclosed. The club also runs simulations of solutions that members must solve.

Model UN recently had their first conference. This was held Friday and Saturday on the 1st and 2nd of March at Kennesaw State University. Both conferences lasted about 6 hours and students tried to be as active as possible; however, on the first day the majority of students were quite nervous. Despite members being nervous, the group still managed to have a great and successful time. 

Woodward broke down what the experience was like, “For our first experience doing one of those, it went really well, we had a lot of kids that started to get way more comfortable by day two and started to apply themselves more and be a little bit more active within the conference.” The kids and the teachers got a better understanding of what they were working towards due to the conference. One member from the club even ended up getting awards for their outstanding work and activeness within the conference. Jessi Alston was awarded the best delegate award.  

Another result of these conferences was the strengthening of friendship within the club. While Model UN comes with a lot of learning and skillful work, members of the club have formed quality bonds and relationships. “The people who work in your country with you are like your family,” Gracen Vanhook stated. Students can be introduced to new people and build new relationships with others.

Model UN is a high-achieving academic club and has accomplished many goals and will continue to accomplish new goals. They deserve more support and recognition for the hard work they put in. Woodward and Olsen have very consistent views for the club moving forward. It is a great thing that we have such a club like Model UN at our school.