The Model UN meeting at the end of the year appeared distinctly different than previous years.

The new executive board is unique: the club appointed underclassmen to leadership positions in hopes that freshmen and sophomores will give the club an edge.

“Our mission is to always be one step ahead,” says sophomore Grace Chandler, next year’s public relations coordinator.

The new leaders plan to have better planning and communication next year, and appeal to young members.

“This year there was so much last-minute planning —including a trip to Miami planned within the weeks leading up to it— and they don’t want a repeat of that,” says sophomore club-member Claire LaPlante.

Sophomore Rachael Strauss, next year’s club president, already announced the conferences that the club plans to attend next year.

Strauss and Chandler plan to film a welcome video for the first meeting next year, as well as hold two simulations, which will help new members learn the procedures and protocol.

“We want to get people interested and excited for the conferences and the club as a whole,” Strauss says.

Freshman Katie Guarino, next year’s co-research chair, is optimistic about the direction of the club.

“The younger members have enthusiasm and optimism for the club next year,” Guarino says.  “We have thoughts and ideas to bring to the table and I’m hopeful that next year’s executive board will be a strong combination of veterans and newcomers.”

Strauss is kicking off the new year with a barbeque on June 6 to bring new and veteran members together before this school year has even come to an end.

Still, Chandler maintains that the new leadership won’t be all business.

“The top priority is having fun,” she says.  “Winning just adds something extra.”