The Answer - A blog about Education, Preparation, and Commitment.

YES Prep South 6th Grade Earns 2nd in Model U.N.

April 12, 2010 by Sarah Straub

ECOSOC, Plenary, WHO, MUN, Huh?!?!?! Sounds pretty intimidating, right? Well, it was intimidating for all of us on the YES Prep South Model United Nations Team, too. Beginning in January, a group of 6^th graders from YES Prep South began to meet after schools on Fridays – yeah! Fridays! – to prepare for the competition. 

Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations with a goal to educate participants about civics, current events, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. This Model UN competition is open to middle schools, high schools and universities. Our students competed against 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade teams who have been preparing in Model UN classes. And us? Once a week on Fridays… did we even stand a chance?

Well, yes… our Cavaliers took on roles as delegates of Turkey, Indonesia and Argentina and participated in a simulated session for different intergovernmental organizations (IGO). Over a three month period, our students researched the country, practiced debating strategies, investigated specific international issues and developed solutions to world problems.

In March, we took our show on the road to the University of Houston. It was our first competition, but we were ready to change the world! At the end of the day, YES Prep South had earned 2^nd place for Outstanding Model UN Program (Middle School), 2^nd place in the Security Council conference, and 2^nd place in ECOSOC.

Not bad for a first year YES Prep school! When we asked the students about next year, they said, “Of course!” – as long as we changed our meetings to any other day besides Friday!  

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