LHS Model UN Team Reaps Conference Awards

The Lakewood High School Model United Nations Club once again turned in a splendid performance at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs Conference, held November 9 and 10. Competing against schools such as Solon, Mayfield, Rocky River, Mentor, Orange, etc..., Lakewood won numerous awards, including three out of eight "gavels." LHS looks like it stands a good chance of being awarded the trophy for best conference performance for the fourth consecutive time. The best in conference award is given after the Spring Conference later this year.

Students winning the Gavel for best single delegate in their committees were: Brian Brink representing China on the Economics & Finance Council; Jimmy Matthiesen representing Chile on the Food & Agriculture Committee; and Annie Latsko representing Iran on the UN Children's Fund Committee. Latsko and Maureen McGregor won a Superior Delegation award representing Iran.

Excellent Delegation awards were won by Sabrina Cupach and Samiha Abusharekh representing Iran on the UN Development Fund for Women Committee, and Ryan Cleary and Matt Sims representing China on the UN Development Programme Committee. Honorable Mention was won by Kelsey Solarz and Ian Schultz, representing Japan on the UN Environmental Programme Committee.

As the Model UN adviser, I am most proud, as always, of the attitude and behavior exhibited by our students. They always comport themselves with enthusiasm and dignity. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with them.

Our club would not be as successful without the fine leadership of Co-Presidents Alberto Rodriguez and Sabrina Cupach, Vice President Stacy Sponsler and Secretary Annalisa Perez. Finally, special thanks to Garfield Social Studies Teacher Joshua Thornsberry for volunteering his time and providing invaluable expert training to our students.