Human trafficking, refugees, torture and punishment of citizens were only some of the topics addressed at the Model United Nations Conference held in Eugene from April 9-11. West Linn High School students represented the countries Australia and Sierra Leone at this year’s conference.

Todd Jones, social studies teacher and MUN adviser, has been the WLHS adviser since 2007 and loves doing it. Although he organizes and leads MUN, it’s up to the students to perform well and take what they want from MUN.

“Model UN is not a competition like Mock Trial, it’s an experience,” Jones said.

Since it’s not a competition, nobody won an award for placing. However, Anna-Maria Hartner, junior, was recognized as the best speaker in her committee, Kayla Gadd, junior, was honored as the best collaborator in her committee and Gadd as well as Dylan Martins, junior, were noted as the most effective delegates during a crisis simulation.

Jim Wynne, freshman, was a human rights representative for Sierra Leone. Wynne had never participated in MUN before but signed up with his friend Neil Yotsuya, junior. Wynne is interested in countries and their role in current events and the UN so combining them in MUN was the perfect combination.

“It’s a lot of fun and I recommend it,” Wynne said.

Wynne’s favorite part about the experience was going through a crisis simulation and trying to figure out possible solutions. Also, being able to have some down time with the rest of the MUN Club was a nice break after all the preparation and work they put into this year.

Most sessions were about 90 minutes, but there was one session that went on for four hours. Although Wynne enjoyed the conference and is looking forward to it again next year, sitting for four hours was definitely the hardest part for him.

As for Jones, the long days meant short nights.

“The hardest part? Probably getting five hours of sleep per night at the conference,” Jones said. “But, I would enjoy serving this role again next year.