The Model United Nations (MUN) team attended the Los Angeles Invitational Model United Nations (LAIMUN) at Mira Costa High School on Dec. 2. Students engaged in special committees and discussed current events, including climate change, human trafficking and the ethics of space exploration.
Zoe Kramar ’24 and Hailey Kramar ’27 were awarded Outstanding Delegates for representing Germany in the Disarmament and International Security Committee.
Tanya Anand ’24 received an Outstanding Delegate and Research Award. Chase Mayer ’26 won a Research Award and a Commendation. Rex Grube ’25 and Dhara Jobrani ’26 also received Commendations for their speeches.
Anand said competing in MUN has taught her to emerge as a leader in large groups.
“[MUN] is a simulation of different nations trying to get what is best for them,” Anand said. “A lot of times, you have to establish yourself [as a leader] and start designating tasks. This requires you to understand how to make people listen to you, make sure your voice is heard and assert control over a situation.”
Jobrani said he felt more confident at the tournament because he knew what to expect.
“This was my second Model UN conference, so I came in feeling more prepared,” Jobrani said. “I was able to use that readiness to speak [more clearly] and deliver my points [more] effectively. I ended up winning an award which is a great improvement from my last conference.”
Zoe Kramar ’24 said the conference was especially rewarding because it gave her a chance to collaborate with her sister.
“My partner was my younger sister, [and this] was the highlight of the weekend,” Zoe Kramar said. “It was special to be able to [participate in an] activity that [is] meaningful to me with my best friend and win together.”
Zoe Kramar said she looks forward to traveling to Washington, D.C. in February 2024 to compete in the North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN), a large conference for high school students.
“Our annual trip to the East Coast is my favorite part of MUN,” Zoe Kramar said. “It’s a wonderful way to meet people with similar interests from all over the world and travel with friends from home.
Mia Ushiba ’26 said she gained familiarity with the debate format.
“A highlight was just being able to see how everything worked and experience the struc- ture of debates,” Ushiba said. “By the second half, I understood more about MUN and was able to participate more.”
