High School Diplomats on Campus for Model UN
10/30/2008
Three-hundred student diplomats from 14 local high schools will gather to debate world issues at a Model United Nations Conference hosted by McKendree University on Nov. 6 and 7.
Every year McKendree’s Model UN program brings together high school delegates to research, deliberate and discuss global issues and problems of security, economic development, human rights, and the creation of international laws. McKendree students organize and run the event.
Participating Metro-East high schools are Belleville East, Belleville West, O’Fallon, Althoff, Mascoutah, Lebanon, Marissa, Valmeyer, Highland, Freeburg, Gibault, Coulterville and Triad. Christian Brothers College High School, St. Louis, will also take part.
The high school students will take on the role of diplomats, representing nations throughout the world and participating in simulated sessions assigned to various United Nations committees.
The activity can greatly enhance a student’s understanding of international relations and global affairs, said Dr. Brian Frederking, associate professor of political science.
“Model UN is a great program because it helps students both to learn about important issues and improve a variety of skills,” Frederking said. “Students write resolutions, speak in front of their peers, and build leadership skills trying to generate consensus.”
McKendree University is ranked among the top 10 percent of "Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the nation and in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category by U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2009." The Lebanon, Ill., campus is just 25 miles from downtown St. Louis. McKendree also has campuses in Louisville and Radcliff, Ky., and offers programs at Scott Air Force Base and other sites throughout Illinois and Kentucky. For more information, visit www.mckendree.edu.
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