Drew Montessori Students Represent Virginia at Model Montessori United Nations

Eighteen Drew Model fourth and fifth graders and two Gunston Middle School sixth graders joined 3,400 participants from 20 countries who participated in the Model Montessori United Nations March 8 – 11 in New York. The students were the only representatives from a Virginia public Montessori program, and a first for Arlington Public Schools.

The Model Montessori United Nations (MMUN) is the only Model UN conference that actually takes place in the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, and the only program to permit elementary and middle school children to participate. While at the conference, students offered solutions to today’s real world issues from the seats of the actual UN representatives from around the world. The team represents a very diverse community.

• 38% of the team are ESOL/HILT (English language learners)
• 29% of the team are African-American
• 24 % are Hispanic
• 57% are Girls
• 38% Qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch

Fifth grader Cecelia Berger and fourth graders Luka Misulic were elected by their committee members of other nations to address the General Assembly at the UN Headquarters. Prior to the conference, each student had to conduct extensive research on their assigned country and write a position paper and a speech on a topic impacting their country and considered by the UN. The Drew MMUN team was led by resource teacher for the gifted Rachel Denbo and assisted by Upper Elementary Montessori teachers Jennifer Pirro and Susan Stork.