Imagine this: a nation in crisis. The world is torn by famine, bomb threats, corrupt leaders, and war. In a bustling room filled with delegates striving to be heard, Grier’s Model UN team stands tall, confidently proposing a ten-one moderated caucus.
This is the norm for a Model UN committee, where students act as delegates representing nations or influential figures tasked with solving global issues. Grier girls spent the first weekend of February at AmeriMUNC, American University’s 12th annual high school Model UN conference in Washington, D.C. The focus of this year’s conference was Latin America. They participated in diverse committees, from addressing global health issues with the World Health Organization (WHO) to tackling deforestation in a six-way cabinet crisis. They planned Brazil’s Carnival and even discussed the next FIFA World Cup.
Success in Model UN demands public speaking, communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. “One of the most important things you must do before MUN is read the delegate guide and research your assigned character,” explained junior, Lucy Buchannan. Playing a delegate role requires in-depth study. “I even followed [my assigned delegate] on Instagram,” shared junior, Sarah Kuntz, with a soft laugh. The goal of the competition is to express your thoughts in a committee; however, it can be hard to get your point across at times. “The competitiveness and the way the committees were run made it hard to get your voice across,” said Sydney Smith, ‘26.
Despite the challenges, Grier’s delegates made their voices heard. “It’s great to watch our students compete against other schools. They stand up and put themselves out there. Not everyone can speak in front of a group of people, but they do it regularly,” said Mr. Packnick, the head of the History department and the primary advisor for the Model UN club. “It’s really exciting to see the students apply the skills we work on in our meetings,” he added.
When asked about the highlight of the conference, Kuntz reflected, “Definitely committee. Hearing everyone around me speak so confidently about their beliefs inspired me to share my thoughts beyond Model UN, even in classroom discussions.”
Model UN isn’t just speeches and procedures—it includes exciting and unpredictable elements, especially in crisis committees. These fast-paced sessions involve delegates assuming the roles of historical figures empowered to make bold decisions. Buchannan described the adrenaline-fueled experience. “A midnight crisis is when they pull you out of your room at 12 a.m., military draft style, and take you to a room with all your delegates,” Buchanan explains. “My crisis failed because we couldn’t pass any directives and got jailed in Atlanta, Georgia. We had to stage a jailbreak the next day.” Her story perfectly captures the spirited chaos of a crisis committee.
Another highlight of the conference was the delegate dance–or the game room attached to the dance. “My favorite part was escaping the dance, going to the board game and card room, and playing a handclap game in a circle,” Buchanan said enthusiastically. “It was a total blast!”
Beyond the formalities, Model UN fosters strong relationships. Grier girls not only grew closer to each other but also formed new friendships. “It’s great because you get closer with people you already know. Stuff happens that you can laugh about and bond over,” said Kuntz. Smith shared a heartwarming story of how MUN reconnected her with an old friend: “One of my best friends from summer camp was there, and I hadn’t seen her in two years. It just shows how MUN brings people together.”
The Grier MUN team returned from AmeriMUNC with impressive awards, including a Most Diplomatic Award for Secretary General, Sara Vélez Patiño and a verbal commendation for junior, Natalie Kelsey. The team had a great time and was very successful at this conference, with many more on the horizon.
Ms. Brandebura, the club’s second advisor, beautifully summed up the experience. “This is my fourth conference with Grier Model UN. Seeing the girls from last year and this year flourish in their confidence, speaking ability, and engagement with other delegates was amazing.”
