Diplomacy in Action: Dexter Delegates Stand Out at U-M Model UN

This January, the Dexter High School Model United Nations club sent a twelve-student delegation to the 39th annual Model United Nations at the University of Michigan (MUNUM XXXIX). The conference welcomed nearly 1,000 participants from Michigan, Ohio, Florida, and an international delegation from Libya. The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Dr. Susan Page, U-M Law School and Ford School of Public Policy professor and former U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan.

 

Delegates participated in eight committee sessions tackling complex political, historical, and diplomatic issues, striving to build consensus and craft solutions. Committees mirrored those of the United Nations—including the UN Human Rights Council and UN Industrial Development Organization—while others placed students in the International Press Corps or fast-paced Crisis Committees addressing historical scenarios such as the Soviet Collapse and Prohibition-era Detroit. Dexter secured a coveted spot in the Friday Midnight Crisis Committee, where senior Preston Roemmich negotiated between rival pirate crews in a “Piracy on the High Seas” simulation.

 

Model UN conferences cultivate students’ skills in research, public speaking, negotiation, and diplomacy—emphasizing peaceful solutions before the use of force. Many high school participants continue at the collegiate level. DHS Class of 2023 graduate Anne Kleber, now a U-M junior, serves on the MUNUM XXXIX student staff after four years in Dexter’s program.

 

The club extends its gratitude to the Education Foundation of Dexter, which covered all registration and delegate fees. “The EFD and their support have been integral in showcasing our students' skill sets at this conference for years,” said club advisor and DHS teacher Jaime Dudash. “Terrific lessons in diplomacy are crafted during this four-day event for our Dexter diplomats, and we could not be more appreciative of the Foundation's support.”

 

At the closing ceremonies, seniors Luke Dudash and Preston Roemmich earned special recognition. Luke received a verbal commendation in the Soviet Collapse committee, and Preston earned an Honorable Delegation distinction in the Kingdom of Charlemagne ad-hoc committee. Also of note, six of the delegates are seniors and have attended this conference a combined nineteen times. 

 

Dexter Model United Nations Delegation MUNUM XXXIX: Kyla Brewer, Luke Dudash, Lydian Field,  Joey Holleran, Zoë Harker, Azura Lane, Charlotte Malo, Andre Motsinger, Josie Perry, Eva Petrinko, Preston Roemmich, and Blake Stinebaugh.