By Sara Kaplow (November 27, 2002)

The George Mason Model United Nations club returned from the William and Mary High School Model United Nations Conference empty handed, but spirited. Sixteen members of the club and two sponsors traveled to Williamsburg last Thursday to participate in the nationally renowned conference, which boasted 1,100 delegates. 

Many first time Mason Model UNers, called novices, attended the conference, which was the first college conference of the year for the club. "I was nervous about going into committee because I’d never done it before, but I think I figured it all out pretty quickly, and had a pretty good time," said junior novice Richard Arndt. 

It was also the first away conference for the club’s new sponsors, Ms. Christine Bosl and Ms. Pam Mahony. "I was very proud. While the planning of the weekend was more stressful than we anticipated, the kids were really great and easy to supervise. While we were definitely one of the smaller schools there, I think the club represented GMHS in a big way. They were very professional and knowledgeable. It was fun getting to know the kids outside the classroom," said Ms. Mahony.

Ms. Bosl agreed, saying, "I was impressed and proud listening to our GMHS students offer their insights into the debates in the committees and cabinets. I think it is wonderful that so many students have such an interest and knowledge in world affairs and international relations." 

Other students who had participated in conferences in previous years commented on the conference. "The committee itself wasn’t as good as at past conferences, but we had a really good time on the campus and at the hotel," said senior Tammy Ashworth.

While on the William and Mary campus, students ran into several Mason alumni who currently attend the school, including Katie Davis, who helped to run the conference. "It was weird seeing people who I associate with Mason at a different place, but it was good to see some familiar faces," said senior Charmaine Nerone. 

The club’s next conference is at Hylton High School in December. It is an annual event for the MUN club, and students are anticipating the interesting debate that usually stems from the conference.