By Sara Kaplow (October 17, 2002)

Over 280 students representing 13 high schools attended the Model United Nations Conference hosted by George Mason High School October 4^th and 5^th. The conference, the fifteenth hosted here at GM, was the inaugural high school conference for this school year.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology took home the secretary general’s award for best large delegation, while Chantilly High School took home the award for best small delegation. 
 

Crisis director Ellis Langford, pictured at right, gives the latest developments to Evan Cunningham's crisis committee	Director Kaitlin Bottock smiles for the camera  as these delegates present their resolution to the committee.

As a change, all but one of the seven committees was hosted by at least one high school student. The committees ranged from a historical National Security Council dealing with the Cuban missile crisis, to the usual committees such as the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural committee (SOCHUM). Six seniors and four juniors acted as chairs for the committees, with the help of a George Mason University student. "Being a committee chair is a lot of work but it's also very rewarding to see kids our age working together and trying to solve the world's problems. That's what MUN is all about," said senior Tammy Ashworth, co-chair of the World Health Organization. 

While the conference ran smoothly, there were the occasional problems (most of which were planned), including kidnappings of delegates, and full-blown crises, organized by the crisis director Ellis Langford. The delegates from other schools reported that they "enjoyed themselves," some saying that it "was the most fun that they had ever had in a committee." 

Secretary General, senior Sara Kaplow, also was pleased with the conference. "There were a few minor glitches, but people seemed to have fun, and ultimately, that’s what is important. We had a number of people who worked extremely hard on this conference, and I can safely say the work paid off," said.Kaplow.