Students tackle international issues at Model United Nations conference

Jack Ellis (submitted)

Model United Nations participants sophomore Nina Zietlow, freshman Moira McCarthy, sophomore Lexi Hilton, sophomore Claire Walsh, and sophomore Netta Kaplan represent the country of Benin at the conference held on Mar. 27-29 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.

For most spring break is a time to relax, unwind, and take a break from studying, but for a small group of St. Paul Academy and Summit School sophomores, spring break means getting down to business researching a country and attending a conference as a student diplomat.  Welcome to the world of Model United Nations (MUN). Each year during March, the Twin Cities YMCAs organize the MUN where students role play a country and attend committees that parallel those of the United Nations. In previous years SPA students have been a part of the YMCA Southdale delegation but for this year students are part of a SPA sub-delegation directed by SPA academic coach Aaron Shuler.  “I am looking forward to gaining a more global perspective, both on important international issues and quotidian life,” first time MUN participant sophomore Ingrid Topp-Johnson said. The conference takes place in Minneapolis on Mar. 27-29.