Model UN experiences are worldwide learning opportunities. Recently, thanks to the efforts of the Charger Foundation’s Fellows Program, 26 Martin Middle School students culminated weeks of preparation, donned attire representing their assigned country and debated issues of global importance at Westview’s Auxiliary Gym.
Whitney Stover, the director of the Charger Fellows Program, said the curriculum helps improve public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research. The Model UN website describes the experience as allowing “students to cultivate skills and enrich their global affairs knowledge. The program is dedicated to empowering young Americans with tools and experiences that prepare them to be the next generation of global leaders.”
The students debated on five committee issues: gun control, nuclear proliferation, gender equality, education and literacy, and hunger and poverty.
Total prizes, provided by the Charger Foundation, totaling $2,250 went to:
Gun Control: 3rd - Japan - Alexis Waldon; 2nd - Haiti - Olivia Moore; 1st - Israel - Josie Allen
Hunger and Poverty: 3rd - Cambodia - Corrina Boyd; 2nd - Italy - Hallee Nanny; 1st - Israel - Josie Allen
Nuclear Proliferation: 3rd - Cambodia - Corrina Boyd; 2nd - Turkey - Colin Stroh; 1st - Japan - Alexis Waldon
Education and Literacy: 3rd - England - Alex Belew; 2nd - Italy - Hallee Nanney; 1st - Haiti - Olivia Moore
Gender Equality: 3rd - Netherlands - Blair Baker; Tie for 1st - Austria - Neely Sims and South Korea - Lena Zimmerman
Judges for the presentations were Rebecca Prince Biehslich, Allison Whitledge, Mike Malone, Adnan Rasool, and Destin Barcroft Tucker.