In the spring of 2023, five determined Olympic High School students embarked on a remarkable journey as they attended their first Model United Nations (UN) conference at UNC Chapel Hill. This transformative experience was made possible through their relentless fundraising efforts and the invaluable support of their teacher advisor, Ms. Griffin, who secured an Olympic High School Foundation grant to help alleviate the travel costs for the four-day conference.
A Model UN conference is a dynamic simulation of the United Nations, where students assume the roles of delegates representing various countries and engage in passionate debates on global issues. The preparation is intense—students meticulously research the country they will represent, immerse themselves in global policies, and submit research papers leading up to the conference. The ultimate goal? To provide students with a platform for learning and honing skills in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, and research.
Ms. Griffin, an esteemed teacher in environmental science and anatomy & physiology at Olympic High School, recognizes the profound impact of this experience. She emphasizes, "It meant a lot that I was able to help these kids develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. The five students who attended are highly involved in extracurricular activities, and they are incredibly determined to pursue higher education. Taking them on this trip, allowing them to gain this experience, and visiting a college they might be interested in was genuinely thrilling."
Opportunities like this are often readily available to more affluent schools within the CMS district. However, for Olympic High School students, they rely on private support, such as that provided by the Olympic High School Foundation, to access these life-changing experiences.
We invite you to join us in making a difference by donating today. Your support empowers Olympic High School teachers to continue shaping the lives of their students every day, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to excel and thrive.