News Post

Over President's Day weekend, over 30 students from Visitation's Model UN club headed to the Washington Hilton in Dupont Circle for the NAIMUN conference, hosted by Georgetown University. Thousands of students from around the world attend this event; two Visitation students were recognized for their contributions. 

Students represented the countries of the Republic of Moldova, Malta, Congo, Qatar, Sweden, and Iraq. Others simulated policymakers from contemporary and historical crises like the Cypriot Missile Crisis or Dahomey Amazons.

The NAIMUN website states, "At NAIMUN, delegates not only receive exposure to a wide variety of countries and regions in committee, but also get to visit embassies, federal offices, and other historic monuments. Through this commitment to an immersive weekend, delegates get to engage with international relations outside of committee by touring the nation’s capital. Through our unique programming, we hope to help delegates realize that the voices they build in committee can and will make a difference in the international community as they grow into global leaders."

Maria Farren '25 received an outstanding delegate award for her work on one historical crisis committee. Freshman Clare O'Connell received an honorable mention for her work on another.

"This was my first time participating in NAIMUN, but I have loved watching older girls doing it for a long time," said Clare, who was excited for how many freshmen had participated. "I was proud of how hard my classmates worked to write position papers, work with Georgetown University student leaders that helped prep us, and I am grateful for the the juniors and seniors that lead our club."

Clare's session focused on the female-only army unit of the Dahomey Kingdom that fought against the French in the European scramble for Africa. "I got to research European colonialism, military tactics, and even how elephants were used in battle.  I prepared my points and position from the perspective of a Dahomey riflewoman sitting on the war council, navigated speeches, and sending private notes to the NAIMUN staff running the crisis," shared Clare. "The staff of my committee was really complimentary and it was a special feeling to hear my name called for an award and represent Visitation in the massive hotel ballroom of thousands of kids from around the world!"