One of the first things freshmen at Naz are told to do is to sign up for clubs and activities, and this is drilled into them throughout their years at Naz. Every year, new clubs are added or reconstructed, clubs such as Model United Nations or Environmental Club. Both of these clubs have existed in years past, but both are new, improved and ready for a great and successful year!
Current jUNior Drew Minik started Model UN as a sophomore last year. When asked why he was motivated to start this club, Minik said, “After the disbanding of the speech team during the end of my freshman year, I realized that Naz had no clubs devoted to improve public speaking. That was when I remembered Model UN. Ever since 8th grade, I’d been interested in Model UN. I spoke to the coach of the St. Ignatius Model UN team and she helped me get it all started. I saw a great interest in politics and debates and I knew Model UN was the answer.” When asked what changes were made to the club this year, Minik responded, “This year, Model UN is going to be more serious. When we went to our first conference last year, almost everyone had never heard of Model UN. Now, we have a group of veterans who are ready to help new members as well as continue the success we achieved last year at SILTMUN (the competition we attended).“
One of Model UN’s short term goals focuses on a conference called Saint Ignatius Model United Nations, or SIMUN. Saint Ignatius is a serious contender, and the club is excited to show off NAZMUN! The ultimate goal of Model UN, though, is to help members become more confident and powerful speakers and also increase their knowledge of current events. Anyone is allowed to join, but the club especially appeals to people interested in politics or public speaking. Minik concluded that he owes a huge thank you to Mr. Jurasas. “He has helped us so much throughout the tough creation of the club.”
Another reconstructed club at Naz is the Environmental Club, headed by Mrs. Emmet and Dr. Zasadzinski. The Environmental Club was first started around 3 or 4 years ago, but this year, its goals have shifted completely. Emmet states, “Rather than concentrating on recycling materials this year, we’re moving to a more hand-on series of projects.” This year, the club wants to give students a more important role in helping the Earth. The ultimate goal, however, remains constant: to raise and improve environmental awareness in the Naz student body. Some specific goals of environmental club this year include growing plants in nutrient solution and donating produce to food pantries, artwork made out of recycled material and hydroponics gardening. Everyone is encouraged to join this club and make a real difference in our earth.
