Students participating in the Model United Nations conference traveled to Michigan State University last Friday, March 17th. PNN got an inside look at what Model UN is like. 

Almost thirty Penn students traveled north this past weekend to discuss and debate real life problems. Topics such as balancing the need for energy and preserving wildlife came up. That was what junior Renee Yaseen, an executive leader, was doing at this conference.

When talking about the team’s success, Yaseen was thoroughly impressed. “I was so proud of our team, we’ve come so far,” She highlights the change in confidence the team endured over the course of the year, “By the end, everyone who had been in it before were very confident and they had a lot of fun.”

Yaseen was awarded the Delegate Award in the Arctic Council. Senior Amelia Atkinson was also awarded with the Book Award for her work in Yatsenyuk’s Interim Government. Yaseen smiles as she praises her friend, “I am so proud of her for winning… she’s amazing. It was a good way to go out.”

The junior says the topics discussed are varied by committee, but topics discussed include, “Biodiversity, shipping and trade groups, melting ice caps… among those lines.”

Team bonding is at the top of their list for next year. “We’re going to be doing more team dinners and more casual environment, we’re not going to stand and lecture you.” The team consists of all types of kids at Penn, “We’re a really diverse group of people, we have athletes, people in debate, even people who are into art and theater. We have the whole spectrum.” Yaseen explains.

The best way to get connected to Model UN is to keep up with Kingsman Nation, the weekly email from Mr. Hope. “In the beginning of next year, we’re going to have [informational] meetings to see what is best for everyone.” If you are interested in joining the club, contact Renee Yaseen or Mrs. Troyer at dtroyer@phm.k12.in.us for more information.

 

 

By Kevin McNulty

Kevin McNulty teaches English and Mass Media Studies at Penn High School. He advises the Penn News Network and manages the PNN Studio and news room. For more information, navigate your browser to www.massmediastudies.net.