Westminster College will host its 15th annual High School Model United Nations (UN) Conference on April 9, welcoming more than 250 high school students from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

With students representing 21 high schools, this year’s event marks the largest turnout for the conference since 2014, said Dr. Michael Aleprete, professor of political science and coordinator of the event.

“Model UN is a diplomatic simulation where students represent countries in various United Nations committees,” says Aleprete. “It provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop skills in research, negotiation and public speaking. Participants must advocate for their assigned country’s positions and collaborate with others to find diplomatic solutions to global issues.”

This year’s conference will simulate four key United Nations committees: General Assembly First Committee, General Assembly Third Committee, International Atomic Energy Agency and Security Council. Additionally, the conference will feature a historical simulation of the 1945 San Francisco Conference, during which the United Nations Charter was approved.

Westminster students play a crucial role in facilitating the event, serving as committee staff and guiding high school participants. This year’s Secretary General, Sarah Anil Cherian—a junior political science major from Conroe, Texas—will lead the team of student staff members.

Three Westminster College alumni will attend the conference to support students and share insights from their professional careers: Joe Pisano ’22, a recent graduate of Duquesne University School of Law; Ellen (DeWeese) Politi ’17, former Model UN president and current borough manager of Edgeworth, Pa.; and Mitchel Henderson ’22, Southwest Pennsylvania regional representative for U.S. Sen. John Fetterman.

In addition to coordinating the High School Model UN Conference, Aleprete also serves as faculty adviser to Westminster’s Model UN team, which competes annually in the American Model United Nations Conference, a collegiate level premier competition held in Chicago.

For more information about Model UN, visit contact Aleprete at alepreme@westminster.edu.

More Stories