Fourteen students in the EMS Model UN group traveled to Washington, DC, Feb. 16 – 19, to join the 60th iteration of the North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN), held at the Washington Hilton. Club sponsors were Shannon Roth, US History and Government teacher, and Nathan Hershberger, Bible and World History teacher.

During the conference itself, the group met with delegates from around the world to debate worldwide issues from the past and present.“Working with new people from across the country, and some parts of the world was very different and fun but sort of nerve-racking,” said Kat Kolodinsky ’26 when asked about her experience at NAIMUN. “I think the problem solving was much easier to figure out with a whole group of people that have many different opinions.”

Prior to the conference, the group visited the Greek embassy where Greek diplomatic staff shared about life as a diplomat and about Greece’s current struggles and opportunities.

They also volunteered with a meal-packing project organized by Rise Against Hunger, a “global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies.”

“Model UN offers a unique opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of world leaders,” says Abby Garber ’23, after her third Model UN conference experience. “During our assigned committee work we form relationships, craft policy, and make hard decisions just as genuine world leaders would…,” she explained.

“It isn’t purely academics,” she also noted. “The time spent outside of committee, building tight bonds with fellow club members is equally as special… I am incredibly grateful to Ms. Roth and Mr. Hershberger for making this possible for our 14 distinguished delegates!”