The JCCC Model United Nations team received five awards for its portrayal of United Kingdom at the 2013 Mid-West Model United Nations Conference St. Louis February 20-23, 2013. The Outstanding Delegation Award and Outstanding Choice Award went to Mayra Daniela Romero Ferman (Kansas City, KS) for her work on the Commission on Narcotic Drugs regarding the issues of “International cooperation to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion,” “Reduction of the illicit demand for narcotic drugs,” “Cooperation in combating the world drug trade problem and its connection with organized crime.” St. Louis is an enjoyable educational experience that has improved my confidence. Utilizing intrapersonal, extensive writing, and speaking skills at my first Model UN conference; it was an incredible experience.” (Mayra Ferman)

Outstanding Position Paper Award went to Aaron Haffey (Overland Park, KS for his work on the Security Council on the issues of “Responsibility to Protect,” “Emerging Security Threats in West Africa,” “Women and Peace in the area of Security,” The Position Paper Award is presented in recognition of Johnson County’s pre-conference preparation. The position paper serves as a blueprint for building consensus and formulating and negotiating workable draft resolutions to resolve issues. “Learning about the complexity of the International Security issues involving the United Nations was a challenging yet intellectually awarding experience.” Aaron Haffey

In addition Aaron Haffey received an Honorable Mention Award went for his portrayal of the United Kingdom in the Security Council.

 

Honorable Mention Award went to Jon Parton (Overland Park, KS) for his portrayal of The Times (London, UK) with the International Press Delegation (IDP). The IDP is designed to simulate the role of the media in diplomacy and international politics. During the conference, the IPD publishes a daily newspaper, MMUN News & World Report, covering MMUN committee proceedings, world developments, and other related news. IPD participants represent different news agencies, having a chance to examine the role of regional and national press organizations in reporting and shaping differing opinions on current world issues.

Our visit to St. Louis was one of the most demanding yet rewarding experiences in my time at JCCC. The conference allowed me to use the leadership and organizational skills I had developed in the Model UN program. As a student journalist, I valued the experience of being able to work for professional reporters. Their advice and guidance allowed me to strengthen the skills required for my career. I’m extremely grateful for being granted the opportunity to go. (Jon Parton)

 

JCCC students competed against other Universities and Colleges from across North America. In addition to the above, the JCCC teams success is attributed to Allie Owens, (Olathe, KS), Shahnoza Seidmedova (Dashoguz, Turkmenistan), Jason Sandoy (Lenexa, KS), Tyler Swaggerty (Lawrence, KS ) Daniel Crist (Overland Park, KS), Aaron Haffey (Overland Park, KS), Jon Parton (Overland Park, KS), Sam Zeller (Kansas City, MO), JiaJia Hanson (Kansas City, MO), K. Jordan Holmes (Overland Park, KS) Ian Sneid (Leawood, KS) Mayra Daniela Romero Ferman (Kansas City, Kansas), Kaitlyn Sylva (Gardner, KS), Joy Lee, (Daejeon, South Korea), Linda Makau (Nairobi Kenya) and Dr. Brian Wright (team advisor, Warrensburg, MO  ) Dr. Wright is the Secretary for the Board of Directors of the Midwest Model United Nations.

 

Additionally, former JCCC student and team member David Willis (Cleveland, MO) was elected 2013 Mid-West Model United Nations Conference Board of Directors.
Samatha Poetter, (Paola, KS) former JCCC student and team member was the 2012 Under Secretary General of the Mid-West Model United Nations Conference. The Under-Secretary General for Administration are responsible for organizing and managing the Mid-West Model United Nations Conference.

 

Model United Nations allows students to understand the international issues at the United Nations and at the same time build skills in public speaking and diplomacy. More than 600 students participated in this conference, proposing resolutions dealing with world issues. The issues discussed range from peace-keeping and human rights to economic development, and the plight of children. The conference is helping students to further understand global issues and international relations. This forum allows students to discuss global concerns in an atmosphere that is similar to that of the United Nations.

 

The JCCC Model UN team will next attend the National Model United Nations Conference in New York held at the United Nations March 17-21, 2013 where they will represent the country of Zambia. This conference is an exceptional educational opportunity for JCCC students and a chance to highlight the school’s academic excellence.

 

Shahnoza Seidmedova “I view the appreciation that Midwest Model United Nations has widened my outlook about the immense world of politics and how countries would respond to further economic, political and social changes. ”

 

Kaitlyn Sylva : My experience in St. Louis was fun and very educational. I learned about how different countries must cooperate to form resolutions. It also increased me public speaking abilities.

 

Tyler Swaggaggerly: I learned to be precise when interacting with other students. I also learned about public speaking and attention to detail is important. I learned about how to better work with others who have different views and goals. It was an amazing experience that I recommend to every JCCC student.

 

Allie Owens: The team work has shown is unlike any other. We learned that teamwork is very important especially in the General Assembly committee. We all utilized our strengths to develop resolutions and work with other delegations. Overall St. Louis is an experience I cannot recommend enough.

Jordan: MMUN is beneficial to anyone interested in International Relations. Interaction with students from across the country is the best possible way to apply critical thinking, social and diplomatic skills learned in the classroom. Working toward a common goal often times is challenging, but does not overshadow the rewards of participating in an international conference.

Daniel Crist: The most enjoyable part of the conference was the interaction with other students. To portray a country as a delegate was both informative and fun.