Seventeen Sonoma Valley High School (SVHS) students recently returned from the North American Model United Nations conference at Georgetown in Washington, D.C. At the conference, over 3,000 students from across the U.S. and around the world come together to role-play being United Nations delegates on simulated U.N. committees, the Security Council, and the General Assembly. Earlier, after applying and being accepted, the students were assigned countries to represent. They were then tasked with researching their country’s government, and writing position papers on various social, economic, and political issues relating to that country such as refugees, women’s rights, energy access, and decolonization.
Some from the Sonoma group had never been to Washington, D.C., or even to the East Coast. They all took time to visit museums and historical sites, and even received a warm welcome at Congressman Mike Thompson’s office. The students also appreciated that staff from Congressman Eric Swalwell’s office gave them an in-depth tour of the Capitol.
Lily Raaka, a senior and co-president of the Model U.N. Club, said: “Exploring Washington, D.C. and learning about politics, in between our committee meetings where we debated global political issues, was an incredible experience.” Club co-president, senior Reese Dobson, added that SVHS government teacher, Craig Tierney – an advisor to the Model U.N. Club – “was a fantastic mentor on the trip, as he tied what many of us were learning in our government classes to the conference work and the sites we visited.” She described the conference as an exciting event where students “learn and practice international relations, advocacy, collaboration, research, writing, negotiation, and public speaking in a real-world setting.” Senior Luis Esteva, also co-president of the Model U.N. Club, said that meeting with Congressman Thompson was a highlight, and that “walking around the national mall and seeing all the monuments was a deeply impactful experience.” Esteva won an award for his research and public speaking on “Diversification of Hydrocarbon-based Economies in the Islamic World.”
Students from the SVHS Model U.N. Club expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club, Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, and Mary’s Pizza for their support in helping to fund the trip.
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For school district parents who have not yet met their Superintendent, Socorro Shiels, the next Sip With the Supe gathering will be March 10 at the Flowery Elementary School library from 5:30-6:30. Snacks will be provided.
For SVHS parents, the next Chat with the Principal, Alberto Solorzano, will be on Monday, March 2, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., in the high school’s College and Career Center.
The SVHS Drama department will be presenting “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. It opens on Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m. in the school’s Little Theatre. There will be additional evening performances on February 28 and 29, and March 6 and 7, also at 7 p.m. Sunday matinees on March 1 and 8 are at 2 p.m. The production is directed by Jane Martin, Abbie Jennings and student director Andie Raffaini. Tickets are available at the door, and doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance. Tickets are also available at Reader’s Books and Pharmaca.
The School District has received a $3.75 million grant over five years to establish and support wellness centers at every school site.
The school district’s new Food Services Director, Kristen Tekell, has been surveying students about food preferences. Stay tuned for the results.
Sunday, March 1 will be another Day of Service at the high school for continued campus beautification, from 10:30 to 3:30, organized by the students’ Campus Beautification Club, Interact Club, and Earth Club. All are welcome to come and help, including members of the community!
The SVHS Parent Connection group handed out chocolate kisses and homemade cookies on February 13 at the high school. Grateful students wiped out the supplies within 20 minutes!
The high school’s Earth Club held a successful Nathanson Creek Clean-up on February 14.
— Sarah Ford
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