Students shoulder weighty world issues

Protection of the global climate, Middle East policies and the role of diamonds in fuelling conflict are all weighty issues -- just the kind of topics that Model United Nations students must prepare to discuss in great detail, and from many points of view.

Traverse City West Senior High's Model UN team demonstrated that they have a firm understanding of many of the problems that face the world today by winning the Mid American Model United Nations Midwest Championship for the third straight year. The competition, held earlier this month in Kalamazoo, includes more than 20 school teams who take on the role of international members of the United Nations and argue their position on a variety of pertinent issues.

West's team of 44 students spent months researching and preparing for the event where they represented the countries and political policies of Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Israel, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States.

"The kids work really, really hard and put in hundreds of hours. They become experts," said Charles Rennie, West's Model UN advisor since 2005.

"The type of commitment and work ethic they put in is rewarded as they debate and work toward a resolution," said Rennie, who as a former Model UN participant himself, feels that it is a wonderful way to prepare for college and a career.

Jordan Wagner, a junior and second year student in the class, feels so strongly about her experience with the Model UN that one of the requirements for choosing a college is that the school must have a Model UN team.

"The Model UN has encouraged me to look beyond the typical job opportunities. I have thought about using my medical skills in working for Doctor's Without Borders," said Wagner, noting that her participation has also peaked her interest in international travel.

Senior Kelly Robinson credits the Model UN with expanding her interest in foreign affairs and international policy.

"I've learned more about the world and how it works through Model UN than I ever could have in a government or history class," said Robinson, who plans to put the skills she has developed to work in a career in foreign relations or law.

"The Model UN is really helpful because it teaches the art of diplomacy," Robinson noted.

Larry Warbasse, a senior who would like to pursue a career in business or law, also appreciates the skills he has developed in his two years on the team.

"I like the intense debate, heated questioning and thrill of speaking in front of so many people," Warbasse said.

"It has helped my public speaking quite a bit, as you have to stand in front of a room of up to 300 or so kids and speak on behalf of your country," he noted.

Rennie, who encourages his students to learn as much as possible about the countries that they represent, feels that his classroom, in itself, is a unique place to learn about diverse world views.

"We have been lucky enough for the past four years to have foreign exchange students participate. They have added so much, bringing in multiple perspectives," Rennie said. This year's class includes Charlotte Reiss from Belgium, Fabian Volbers from Germany and Federico Maspero from Italy.

Photos

The Model United Nations team from Traverse City West Senior High School celebrates their third consecutive win at the Mid American Model United Nations Championship held in Kalamazoo earlier this month. The team from West was the most decorated delegation in the history of the competition and the first to win three in a row. Special to the Record-Eagle/Tak Ready