Oakdale High School’s Model UN (United Nations) team is gearing up to compete at the Stanford University Model UN conference, Nov. 12-14. Led by OHS teacher Stephen Mauchley, 19 OHS students, many of whom are team veterans, will participate in this year’s event. This is Mauchley’s third year working with the Model UN team, but his first as the team’s advisor.

“We have been assigned the Russian Federation, a privileged assignment for any group attending,” Mauchley said.

He said that Model UN provides students with an opportunity to debate and discuss current world issues. It also allows them to offer solutions and critically analyze problems that affect the world’s society.

“As this is my most veteran team I have had, I am expecting wonderful things to come from these students,” Mauchley added. “They are excited about their assignments and the country they represent. They know they have a great challenge and responsibility, both of which they have accepted graciously.”

As members of the Russian Federation, members of the team will undergo debates and processes related to their assignment and also serve on various UN committees. As well, some of the OHS students will portray specific individuals on the executive board of the Time Warner multi-national corporation, the Iranian Cabinet, the Chinese Politburo, British Parliament, or the European Union. OHS had its first Model UN team seven years ago when it was led by teacher Pete Simoncini. The team grew over time and offers students the opportunity to broaden their speaking skills and spend time competing at the prestigious Stanford University.

Model UN is a worldwide program, at both the college/university and high school levels. The Model UN program is designed to provide students with an authentic simulation of the process, committees and procedures of the actual United Nations.