The role of the United Nations (UN) as an international peacekeeping and humanitarian organization was the focus of the Ohio Model United Nations Conference held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Columbus December 7-9. Attending were 17 students from Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS). This is only the third year CHHS has participated in the event.
Organized by the Ohio Leadership Institute, the event is a three-day global education simulation experience. This year’s conference brought together about 1,200 students from across the state. The attendees delved into international affairs, diplomacy, and cultural understanding, by taking on the roles of ambassadors of various countries.
Prior to attending the conference, students did extensive research to represent the countries of Sweden, Rwanda, and Nicaragua. They crafted resolutions focusing on protecting animals that are crucial to the survival and traditions of indigenous peoples (Sweden), how the UN should respond to suspected genocides (Rwanda), and reaffirming access to due process around the world as a human right (Nicaragua).
“OMUN 2025 was an enormous success,” said advisor Megan Neville.”We had more of our students participate in competitions and essay contests than ever before. I was given a lot of positive feedback about the students representing all three of our nations.”
Among this year’s accomplishments:
The group representing Rwanda won an Outstanding Resolution Award.
Junior Zhou Wei Ni won an Outstanding Leadership Award.
Junior Adham Gharib won an Outstanding Delegate Award.
Juniors Lorelei Winslow and senior Zhou Wei Ni were both elected by their peers as Council Chamber Presidents and will take on leadership roles at OMUN next year.
The group representing the nation of Nicaragua received a glowing review of their resolution presentation from their Council Chamber President.
In addition to the above students, participants included seniors Hannah Jasany, Daniel Cichocki, Aden Ewelt, Tristan West, Zachary (Zach) Wittenmyer, and Logan Fesler; juniors Bri Wichert, Avery Miller, Isaac Mocadlo, and Benjamin Armbrust; sophomores Gia Amato, Avram (Avi) Friedt, Celia Suma, and Laila Lengyel; and freshman Abram (Bram) Podoll.
“We are extremely grateful to the Cuyahoga Heights Board and administration for making our participation in this event possible. We couldn't have made this work without them,” Neville concluded.
Picture #1: Seventeen students made up the Cuyahoga Heights High School delegation at the Model UN Conference in December.
Picture #2: Zhou Wei Ni and Lorelei Winslow will take on leadership roles at next year’s conference.
Picture #3: The team representing Rwanda are left to right: Laila Lengyel, Adham Gharib, Giada Amato, and Avery Miller.
Picture #4: The team representing Sweden are pictured left to right: Hannah Jasany, Benjamin Armbrust, Zachary Wittenmyer, Aden Ewelt, Tristan West, and (front) Daniel Cichocki. All are seniors with the exception of Armbrust who is a junior.
