The Model U.N. Club, which began in 1947 at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, has spread across the globe as a way for students to simulate real diplomacy. This year, the club has been established at Radford.

John English, the club’s president and a junior here at Radford, said what his goals were for the club.

“…the thing I’m looking forward to the most is going to other school’s conferences whether we’re participating or just watching their general assembly,” said John English. Since the club is just starting out, he’ll be paving the way for its future at Radford. “I’m really excited to go and see how they do it and we can emulate that in ours so that in years to come, things will be good.”

While students are taking the lead, the club’s advisor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, explained her hands-off approach in guiding them.

They really are going to set up and create the club and do with the club what they want to, and I’m kind of hands-off; I’m letting them organize it and have activities however they want this year,” she said. “A big exciting part of this year is setting up the club for what it can be for years to come. He [English] definitely is creating the club as he’s getting started.”

While John English is excited about building up the club for the future, he’s already learned a lot so far.

“You have to learn a lot about what you’re going to do rather than just, ‘hey guys, this is a cool idea I had,’” he said. “You have to follow things through.”

With roughly 15-20 students expected to join this year, Model U.N. is set to become a lasting part of Radford High’s student life by teaching new members how to have civil discussions and diplomacy.