WHHS OMUN team dominates again in Columbus

Ohio Model United Nations is more than just a conference; it’s a stage where young leaders step into the shoes of global diplomats, tackling real-world issues with creativity, courage and collaboration.

Each year students from across Ohio gather to represent nations large and small, learning the art of negotiation, public speaking, and cultural understanding. Amid spirited debates, cultural performances and the thrill of presenting their ideas, participants discover not only the complexities of international relations, but also their own potential to make a difference in the world.

The West Holmes Ohio Model United Nations team traveled to Columbus Sunday, Dec. 7 for the Model U.N. Conference representing the nations of Uganda, Syria, Mexico and Greece.

For adviser Mindy Heffelfinger, OMUN not only is an opportunity to inform students in a variety of ways she believes will enhance their knowledge of what is taking place around the world, but also it is an educational experience that will benefit them in college and their futures.

“This is a very important enrichment program that the kids not only greatly enjoy, but it also provides plenty of benefits for them, from debating and public speaking to being more creative, working together and so much more,” Heffelfinger said. “It definitely helps build confidence and leadership for these young people.”

Ohio Model United Nations Conference is something West Holmes High School attends annually, and as has been the case for the past several years, the Knights’ representatives shined brightly throughout the event, earning a strong showing in several areas of competition.

Heffelfinger served as the lone adviser for WHHS OMUN this year and said the team’s dedication is the backbone of their performance success.

Heffelfinger teaches a class both inside and outside of school hours, and the students invest plenty of time and energy learning about the lives and traditions of other countries.

In preparation for OMUN, students research their chosen countries as a team, learning about the culture and diving into real-life problems that need addressed. They develop plans and create resolutions on how to address each problem, prepare speeches, develop entertaining skits, and make presentations.

WHHS sent four teams to this year’s event.

Team Greece consisted of Alexis Wagers, Katherine Kaster, LeeAnna Madison, Parker Garver and Raven Stracke. They focused on the growing development of wildfires currently facing the country, developing a plan to utilize goats to reduce the underbrush, which has been problematic.

Team Mexico consisted of Alex McCulloch, Aubree Young, Keaton Conner-Winkler, Lena Burgett, Lilly Perry and Nevaeh Edgell. They developed an eco-friendly way to build recycled blocks to build schools to enhance the educational opportunities for kids in Mexico.

Team Syria consisted of Bradley Fair, Izzy Fox, Tim Mittman and Nora Montesterro. They developed the idea of creating prosthetic limbs out of recycled plastic for Syrian people who lost limbs during the recent war.

Team Uganda consisted of Bella Roland, Danica Fritz, Dani Keck, Marley Irias-Bamford and Nevaeh Mast. Their aim was to prevent malaria with the implementation of a repellent soap.

“Part of the U.N.’s function is to create sustainability moving forward, and there is a big focus right now to utilize recycled materials in new ways,” Heffelfinger said.

In addition to Heffelfinger’s guidance, the students also receive help from experienced students, with a pair of WHHS seniors who have experienced plenty of success providing input.

Heffelfinger said this year Jevin Zheng served as the OMUN Human Rights Council president and did an excellent job, and Jonny Shedron did a terrific job serving as the General Assembly president.

How much did all the hard work pay off?

Team Greece and Team Mexico were chosen to present their resolutions and speeches at the General Assembly. “Only 23 out of 161 teams were chosen to present at the General Assembly,” Heffelfinger said.

The nations of Greece, Mexico and Uganda all made it to the semifinals with their talent showcases, with only eight teams chosen to advance to the semifinals. 

Team Greece won the Outstanding Cultural Award for having an outstanding talent showcase, resolution, speech and cultural dress. Only three teams out of 161 teams won this award.

The West Holmes Model U.N. team International Outreach Program for Education in Nigeria also won an award for raising the most money for I-OPEN with their raffle basket fundraiser.

“It’s the philanthropical part of OMUN,” Heffelfinger said. “We raised money for students who need educational assistance in impoverished areas in Nigeria.”

The group raised close to $300 by creating a raffle basket fundraiser directed by Zheng and Shedron that included donations from the community and the OMUN students.

Lilly Perry and Parker Garver were awarded Outstanding Leadership Awards. Perry also was elected as a state officer for the 2026 school year and will serve as a council president.

Marley Irias-Bamford was one of 10 delegates chosen as an outstanding delegate. There were over 1,000 delegates competing for this award. 

“These kids poured their hearts and souls into this again this year,” Heffelfinger said. “I’m proud of everything they accomplished. Congratulations to each one of them on a job well done.”

Prior to leaving OMUN, schools can pick the countries they’d like to represent next year. WHHS chose Spain, Kazakhstan, Romania and Honduras as next year’s OMUN challenges.