The spring semester brings an exciting schedule for Yeshiva University High School for Girls (YUHSG), and it also means peak season for Wildcat academic clubs. On Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, YUHSG’s Model UN team competed at Yeshiva University’s 36th annual National Model UN Conference (YUNMUN).
Led by faculty advisor and Humanities Department member Ms. Chevi Friedman and team captains and YUHSG seniors Michal Heimowitz, Aliyah Kahn, and Sarah Leah Sullivan, the Model UN team gives students a forum in which to actively learn about international diplomacy by serving as “delegates” to real UN member nations. YUHSG students were assigned to represent both China and India, requiring them to perform extensive research on the cultural, political, and economic landscape of these countries. In doing so, the students gained insight into other cultures while enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with students from other schools. The event also gives students a chance to hone their critical thinking and oratory skills.
“YUNMUN is an incredible way to build your public speaking skills while also meeting new people,” said sophomore Meira Husarsky, who also competed as a freshman. Sophomore Brianna Borell agrees: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the world as well as yourself.” Like other academic clubs, Model UN affords YUHSG students a chance for growth outside of campus. “I’m so excited to see my friends from other states, and meet new people I wouldn’t have been able to meet otherwise,” said sophomore Ahuva Feldman.
The YUHSG team continued last year’s success by bringing home another roster of honors: Aliyah Kahn won an Honorable Mention for the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), Meira Husarsky won an Honorable Mention for UNICEF, and Sarah Leah Sullivan won Best Delegate of the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC). Other team members include seniors Hannah Austin and Atara Feldman, juniors Nili Aharon, Bailey Rosenstock, and Orly Spinner, and sophomore Malky Reznik.
Other upcoming events for YUHSG’s academic teams: on Wednesday, February 5, the Central Mock Trial team won its first match of the season against Long Island City High School at the Queens County Courthouse. On February 9, YUHSG College Bowl will attend its first match. And on February 11, YUHSG Torah Bowl will host Magen David, Barkai Yeshivah, and YDE at a tournament at its Holliswood campus.
But the spring wouldn’t be complete without an opportunity for fun and bonding: on Thursday and Friday, February 12 and 13, YUHSG will host its very first schoolwide sleepover. And on March 7, Motza’ei Shabbos, YUHSG will hold its Annual Scholarship Dinner of Tribute at Great Neck Synagogue, giving the entire Wildcat community an opportunity to celebrate those who have made contributions to the school.
