On Sunday, October 6, zombies took over Dana Hall’s lecture hall. This was not a zombie apocalypse; rather, it was the annual tryout simulation for the Model United Nations (MUN) team.

Forty girls representing different countries debated what action should be taken in response to the use of biological weapons in Yemen, destruction that then created zombie-like symptoms in affected people.

The MUN tri-heads, Margot Palandjian ’13, Jodie Sheffels ’13, and Kate Glass ’13, developed the idea for the simulation with Ms. Heather Panahi several weeks ago. Sheffels explains that they created the simulation “with the hopes of establishing a situation that would challenge girls to deeply understand and evaluate a modern problem while thinking creatively and collaboratively.”

Members of the Model UN team were present during the discussion, and many participated, helping to guide as well as evaluate the new girls who were trying out. The goal of the simulation was to choose ten new members for the team this year. Sheffels added, “We were overwhelmingly impressed by the girls who showed up and their passion and excitement.”

Ms. Panahi agreed. “Every year, the Model UN team has the difficult task of selecting its new members. Truly, this was one of the most competitive and impressive group of girls we have seen in a long time. Although we couldn’t add everyone to the team, I am excited about the work we will do in the club, too!” Students may participate in the MUN club even if they are not on the team that travels to competitions.

Paige Taylor ’15 and Alexia Fieger ’15, both members of the MUN team, said that Sunday’s simulation “was a challenging topic, but everyone had a lot of fun. Everyone came to the simulation prepared, and the level of debate was high throughout the morning.”

Photo: Dana Hall students compete for the Model United Nations team. Photo credit: Heather Panahi.