Model United Nations (Model U.N.) placed second at the Stanford Model United Nations Conference (SMUNC) in California on Nov. 10-12, junior Iris Do, Model U.N. publicity chair, said. South students also took awards home for Best, Honorable, and Verbal Delegate, winning more individual awards than in previous conferences, Jesse Sisler, Model U.N. Advisor, said.

At SMUNC, the competition was divided into various committees debating on matters such as climate change, womens’ rights, and humanitarian aid, Sisler said. Students also represented countries and people during crises, he added. Going into SMUNC,
Sisler was confident in his students’ abilities.

“Each time that we’ve gone [to SMUNC], we’ve won the highest distinction,” Sisler said. “That’s what we’re aiming for competitively. [However], I’d also like to see this group have the opportunity to bond as a team and meet other students from across the country.”

While debating in her committee, the Commission on the Status of Women, which was composed primarily of females, junior Sarina Harjani, Model U.N. Co-Fundraising Director, was able to receive valuable insights and view unique perspectives. She is especially proud of the hard work her and her partner put into their preparations for the discussions.

“It feels great to win Best Delegate because [my partner] and I put in a lot of effort in [preparing] for SMUNC, so it was [satisfying] to see all our hard work being paid off,” Harjani said.

Although South’s team did not place first, Do enjoyed the weekend of competing, team bonding, and sightseeing.

“Everyone put a lot of effort into [the competition], so it was disappointing to not [place first],” Do said. “[However], I think it was a really successful weekend where my team and I learned a lot of interpersonal and communication skills.”

Model U.N.’s goal is always to grow the number of members, Sisler said. He hopes that, even with their loss, a successful conference overall will encourage others to join and allow current members to persevere, he added.

“[It’s] clear how much our team members care [and] respect one another, which will go a long way towards our future successes,” Sisler said. “We used [our loss] as an opportunity to respond to adversity and come together as a team.”