Iraq bombed Israel March 30th and threatened to bomb additional targets, including the US, if sanctions against them weren't dropped immediately. Jason Williard, SHS Security Council ambassador from France, was whisked into an Emergency Session for briefing. As a leader in supporting the lifting of sanctions, Williard now had to decide if lifting them at this time would be more appropriate than punitive retaliation.

Five students were selected to represent SHS at the First Annual Washington State Model United Nations held in Seattle, 3/29-31, put on by the World Affairs Council, The Washington State United Nations Association and the University of Washington Graduate School in International Affairs. The students were selected on the following criteria:

· debate skills
· intellectual abilities
· responsibility
· integrity
· competitive spirit
· prior MUN experience

Brandon Daves, Tyler Evans, Jolleen Hudson, Gavin Vanausdeln and Jason Williard were selected and chose to represent France.

Approximately 250 students from Western Washington met in six different UN committees to develop steps to solve problems related to the Middle East, ethnic conflicts, environmental destabilization and the HIV/AIDS health epidemic.

The Skyview Five prepared for the event through research, mock UN debate sessions, position papers (submitted and critiqued by UW graduate students), preparation of political portfolios and fundraising activities.

Jolleen Hudson, well-prepared on her topic, HIV/AIDS and, knowledgeable about UN rules, was awarded the Best Speaker Award for the UNICEF Committee. Brandon Daves, a leader in the student simulated NATO caucus, was cited as a runner-up in for his role in the Model UN General Assembly.

The WASMUN Speaker Awards were based on the delegates' exhibition of helpfulness during caucus time, skill in building consensus, eloquence in speaking and maintenance of diplomatic demeanor.

While the UW graduate department awarded one Best Speaker Award for each WASMUN committee, the SHS team members and coach, Dr. Questad, agreed that the SHS team provided a positive and strong contribution to a tremendously successful event. Additionally, the Seattle P-I reported that participating in this new annual event will help students improve their public speaking, broaden their awareness of international topics and teach them "the important lesson of conflict resolution."

From the perspective of the SHS delegation, it can also be generalized as an experience in the art of stepping into the shoes of another's viewpoint and developing the strength and ability to compromise in a sea of strong opinions.

The SHS WASMUN group gratefully acknowledges a generous grant from the SHS Booster Club which enabled them to attend this life-changing event and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for funding it.

-Submitted by Dr. Questad, proud coach of the SHS WASMUN Team