The Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Model United Nations team is pleased to announce that it received an Outstanding Delegation Award for the portrayal of Niger at the National Model United Nations Conference (NMUN) in New York City, April 13-17, 2014. . 

JCCC was evaluated by the conference on the following criteria for the Distinguished Award: Remaining in Character – defined as advocating your assigned country’s position in a manner consistent with economic, social and geopolitical constraints, Participating in committee – evaluated both during formal and informal (caucusing) sessions, Proper use of the rules of procedure – NMUN uses the rules of procedure to facilitate effective workings of committee and debate.

Three JCCC Students were chosen by the conference to be rapporteur’s who assist with the organization of their conference committee.

Aaron Hafey (Overland Park, KS) served on the General Assembly First Committee: Disarmament “Disarmament is interesting because it depends on the progress made on international security which also contributes to the maintenance of peace in the world.”
Kaitlyn Sylva (Gardner KS) served on the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Excellent experience, allowing the JCCC team to bond together and cooperate to achieve the highest accolades possible.” 

Gaelyn McGhee (Overland Park, KS) the General Assembly Third Committee. “The NMUN conference was an unforgettable experience because of meeting students from across the USA and from sixty different countries. I am proud to be a part of such a successful team” said Gaelyn McGhee. “This conference was an experience I will always value; having the opportunity to work with great students from around the world. Model United Nations allows students to understand the international issues at the United Nations while building skills in public speaking and diplomacy. More than 3000 students participated in the conference by proposing resolutions and writing reports dealing with world issues. The conference helps students to further understand global issues and international relations in a forum that allows them to discuss global concerns in an atmosphere that is similar to that of the United Nations. 


In addition to the above, the JCCC team’s success is attributed to Joe Gideon (Independence, MO), Ben Brown (Overland Park, KS), Nathaley Cifaentes Riano (Bogota Colombia/ Merriam KS), Linda Makau (Overland Park, KS),
Danielle Allison (Overland Park, KS), Aaron Swift (Olathe, KS), Elysia Chao (Overland Park, KS) Jeffery Redmond (Olathe, KS), Donald Roth (Prairie Village, KS), Katlyn Pratt (Baldwin, KS), Ammar Essa (Lenexa, KS), Joe Beeso (Gardner KS), Elizabeth Andrews (Tonganoxie, KS), Marie-Kristin Horvat (Lingen, Germany/ Lenexa, KS) Ian Sneid (Leawood, KS), Bennett Hofer (Olathe, KS) Dr. Brian Wright (team advisor)


 “It is a very impressive achievement for JCCC students,” JCCC Model UN faculty advisor and Professor Dr. Brian Wright states “Please understand how much of an achievement this is for JCCC. The National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference New York City is the world’s largest and most prestigious Model United Nations conference. Participants include major universities from throughout the world, each of which sets the main focus of their program on award recognition at New York. Although the NMUN conference is very large, it has kept its number of awards small and to receive one clearly says to the rest of the Model UN community that JCCC has one of the strongest programs in the world. Receiving this award is a exceptional experience for our students that will stay with them throughout their lives.”

This NMUN award caps ten years of success for JCCC, during which the team has received awards at the last 30 consecutive conferences they have attended. It also completes a sweep for the school year with this JCCC team having received awards at the Mid-West Model UN in St. Louis. These conferences are an exceptional educational opportunity for JCCC students and a chance to highlight the school’s academic excellence. JCCC students prepared for the conference through research for position papers, class assignments, and participation at their own MUN simulation. A wide variety of majors are represented on this team, such as Political Science, Business, History, Nursing, Education, English, and Science. 

Marie-Kristin Horvat (Lingen, Germany/Lenexa,KS) the General Assembly Third Committee.
“The National Model United Nations Conference was a unique experience. Working with students from all over the world on topics that concern the global community has been a truly inspiring experience.”

Elizabeth Andrews “The National Model United Nations Conference in New York City is truly an adventure. It is an honor to participate in team building and professional platforms. Learning about the United Nations committees run and creating a bond with fellow delegates is what makes the experience so worth the trip. I highly encourage anyone with a passion for exploration and higher learning to give Model United Nations a try.”

Donald Roth “New York and the conference is amazing. It is a great honor to be able to meet so many passionate people interested in international affairs.”
 

Ben Brown “When you enter the conference committee`s and witness so many students from around the world working on international issues is unique. Just imagine what we can accomplish in the future.” 

Jeffery Redmond “Learning the international perspective from those who actually hold it was very rewarding.”

Ammar Essa “the conference is an opportunity to interact with students from around the world and solve issues in a learning environment.”

Joe Beeso “The conference shows how students are working diplomatically to fine solutions to issues of human trafficking by consensus. The hope is that the United Nations can do the same.” 


Joe Gideon “I am glad to have the opportunity to network with future leaders from around the world. This is a wonderful learning opportunity that I will not soon forget. I am particularly proud of the contributions made by my fellow JCCC students.

The JCCC Model United Nations team received an Outstanding Delegation Award, Delegates’ Choice Award, and three Honorable Mention awards for its portrayal of Canada and New Zealand at the 2014 Mid-West Model United Nations Conference at Union Station St. Louis Missouri February 19-20, 2014. This accomplishment is attributable to team members Aaron Swift (Olathe, KS), Bennett Hofer (Olathe, KS) and (Ian Sneid (Leawood, KS) for their work on the General Assembly Disarmament Committee regarding the topics  Review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the whole question of chemical and biological weapons. Jeffery Redmond (Olathe, KS) on the General Assembly Economic and Financial Committee regarding the topics of  Post-2015 development agenda (MDGs) and Review of international migration and development. Marie-Kistin Horvat (Lingen, Germany, Lenexa, KS) & Nathaly Cifuentes (Bogota Colombia/Merriam KS) for their work on the Economic and Social Council Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) and culture for sustainable development, High-level policy with international financial and trade institutions, and the Promotion and protection of biodiversity. In addition, the team received recognition for their diplomatic skills at General Assembly Plenary session. In addition, three JCCC team members were chosen by the conference for staff positions. Mayra Ferman (Kansas City, KS), co-chair of the General Assembly Finance Committee Kaitlyn Sylva (Gardner, KS), co-chair of the Food and Agricultural Organization and Gaelyn McGhee (Shawnee, KS) co-chair of the General Assembly Disarmament Committee. JCCC Model United Nations faculty advisor Brian Wright (Overland Park, KS). These Mid-West Model United Nations conference awards cap over 12 years of success for JCCC, during which the team has received awards at each of the last thirty-six conferences they have attended. The JCCC Model UN team will next attend the National Model United Nations and Leadership Conference in New York held at the United Nations in April where they will represent the country of Niger. This conference is an exceptional educational opportunity for JCCC students and a chance to highlight the school’s academic excellence. Eighteen JCCC students competed with students from over 100 other Universities and Colleges from across North America. Ian Sneid (Leawood, KS). “The Conference is an experience you utilize key skills that be applied to either college or after college. I advise JCCC students to join the Model UN.” Aaron Swift (Olathe, KS) “Model United Nations is a true experience to work with a large variety of incredibly dedicated students and learn about international diplomacy.” Elysia Chao (Overland Park, KS) “The Mid-West Model United Nations Conference was an unforgettable learning experience. We were able to practice public speaking, collaborate and build consensus on resolutions, debate varying ideas and issues, and demonstrate leadership through teamwork. The simulation gave me insights to how the United Nations functions and its importance.” Jeffery Redmond (Olathe, KS) “Representing leaders of the world was an honorable experience.” Marie-Kistin Horvat (Lingen, Germany, Lenexa, KS) “The 2014 Mid-West Model United Nations conference was an outstanding educational experience. The ability for young people, like myself, show dedication and perseverance on topics well beyond college educational levels was truly incredible.” Donald Roth (Prairie Village, KS) “I am glad to have the opportunity to network with future leaders from around the United States. This is a wonderful learning opportunity that I will not soon forget. I am particularly proud of the contributions made by my fellow JCCC students.” Katlyn Pratt (Baldwin, KS) “Model United Nations is something you cannot completely understand or appreciate until you participate. You realize how exhausting diplomacy is and how much effort feels worth it as the session adjourns. After collaborating on a resolution paper for nine hours and then being able to reach unanimous agreement fills you with pride.” Ammar Essa (Lenexa, KS) “This year’s Mid-West Model United Nations Conference was a great educational experience. We met students from around the country that made the experience very enjoyable.” Danielle Allison (Overland Park, KS) “the hard work by all students at the conference is an accurate representation of diplomacy in action.” Jeffery Redmond (Olathe, KS) “The conference is exciting experience. I am enjoying the conference and all of the opportunities that comes from the experience.” Joe Beeso (Garnder, KS) “The Model United Nations Conference has been a great academic, leadership, and international opportunity. When you must take the position of a county and defend its policies you become more aware and open to diversity. The skills and ability to learn and understand others perspectives and develop a solution to cooperation and compromise are very important.” Bennett Hofer (Olathe, KS) “This experience at MMUN has been an educational and eye-opening, allowing the JCCC team to cooperate to achieve the highest accolades possible.” Elizabeth Andrews, Tonganoxie, KS “It is very exciting to explore a whole new world of thinking and to meet students from across the United States.” Fabiola Sanchez (Overland Park, KS) “It is not until you experience Model UN at the conference where you see the enthusiasm and devotion all students have for this team. It was a wonderful learning experience and I enjoyed having the privilege to be a part of it.” Nathaly Cifuentes (Bogota Colombia/Merriam, KS) “More than a learning experience, we all had the opportunity to develop writing and speaking skills. We had the opportunity to use our skills to represent New Zealand and create a resolution to solve real global problems. The Mid-West Model UN Conference made be more aware and how the world needs solutions, leaders for the future. Thank you so much for letting me be part of the JCCC Model United Nations team and I will be working to improve.” Kennedy Mwachia (Olathe, KS) “My experience at Mid-West Model United Nations Conference has changed my perspective on our generation, meeting brilliant individuals committed to make the world better has inspired me greatly. It restored my hope in a peaceful world.”