Despite being brand new, the Independence Model United Nations (Model UN) has already racked up some impressive successes, and its members are making their own mark. Their first conference, held at McLean High School on Oct. 25-26, had several successes. Juniors Krish Rajani and Ankith Madhavarameach received honorable mentions. Juniors Pranav Bhundala and Rohin Mokati both won Best Delegate. Along with these wins, several club members successfully completed their first conference and gained valuable information to help them in future conferences. 

Most recently, on Nov. 15-17, the officers went to the club’s first college conference, University of Virginia Model UN. There, both Rajani and Bhundala received honorable mentions. 

With around 67 members, the Independence Model UN, an organization that allows students to role play as delegates and simulate United Nations meetings, is one of the biggest clubs at Independence. At conferences, they can also role play in other assemblies such as the U.S. Senate or fantasy assemblies. Every Wednesday, the club meets to improve their public speaking skills and work on their positions and solutions for different issues and topics. 

“My expectations for the rest of the season is for the club to grow even more,” Rajani, Secretary General of Independence’s Model UN, said. “I want to make sure that the members in the club develop their skills over their season, and I want to see more people placing in these competitions.”

Simulating the United Nations meetings has been a long held activity for students for many generations, dating back to 1927. It has adjusted and changed throughout the years and has been important to many students throughout the world. 

Today, Model UN is a huge affair. Participants from all over the world, including 127 countries, meet to discuss and debate international topics. There are conferences all over the world, the biggest ones being found in the United States, Japan, Germany and the Czech Republic. There are smaller regional conferences held often in the U.S. at high schools and universities around the country. 

The club allows students to expand their skills and friendships while keeping up with important news and issues around the world. Manognya Janga, 10, commented, “I was first introduced to Model UN by a couple friends last year. Once I got into it, I found that it was really fun.” 

The club’s next conference is on Dec. 13 and 14 at John Champe High School.