Students spent a day last week analyzing real-world problems and finding creative ways to solve them.
Notre Dame sophomore John Kenny, left, senior Alexis Lawroski and sophomore Mariana Ortiz participated in the Model United Nations conference held Nov. 5 at Northville High School.
Four Notre Dame students — seniors Mariel Manzor, Jacqueline Kenny and Alexis Lawroski, and junior Julia Nellis — served as chairs for the event. They managed debate, observed parliamentary procedures, and instructed and encouraged newer delegates. The other 24 Notre Dame students served as country delegates on a broad range of committees that dealt with many serious world problems and concerns.
According to Dave Osiecki, a social studies teacher in Notre Dame’s upper division and the moderator of Notre Dame’s Model United Nations club, NDP’s delegation performed admirably.
“The intelligence demonstrated by all of these motivated young people was truly impressive,” he said. “I was able to observe several committees in action and there was intelligent debate, thoughtful speeches, pertinent questions, and honest negotiation. There even was intransigence, posturing, and exasperation — just like in real diplomacy!”
He said that through all of the conference, most committees were able to pass a resolution or two that addressed the issue at hand.
“Delegates most definitely learned about world affairs, but perhaps more importantly, they also learned about working together,” Osiecki said.
An essay on the importance of Model UN by Notre Dame senior Alexis Lawroski, who currently serves as president of Notre Dame's Model UN club, was awarded with a $100 scholarship at the event.
NDP sophomore John Kenny, who was attending his very first Model UN conference, was not quite sure what to expect.
“When I arrived I was greeted by many smiling faces and outstretched hands,” he said. “When the conference actually started, I felt as though I had been thrust into a real-life United Nations conference. I had more fun than I ever could have imagined.”
Kenny served on the Cyber Warfare Committee at the conference and represented Iran.
“I quickly found myself becoming friends with so many of my fellow representatives,” he added. “The overwhelming feeling of dedication and drive in the room was palpable. The entire experience was one of a kind and I will gladly go back and do it again.”
Fellow sophomore Mariana Ortiz, who was participating in her fourth MUN conference, was equally excited about the Northville conference.
“I can always count on an enriching experience from SEMMUNA, or from any Model UN conference for that matter,” she said. “Students analyzing real-world problems and finding creative ways to solve them creates real awareness of today's global society, and it brings to light the struggles many people presently face.”
She said that being a part of the MUN Security Council was eye-opening to the immediate problems a leader of a nation must be able to deal with.
“And even beyond the global awareness, I had the chance to meet other students who were just as passionate about making a change in today's world as I hope to be. SEMMUNA brings us together in ways other extracurriculars might not be able to, and I think that's really wonderful.”
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.