Werribee’s Suzanne Cory High School placed third at the Model UN Evatt National Finals, the only government school in country to make it to the top five.
The competition is a simulation of the UN Security Council, and once assigned a nation to represent, each duo debates to advocate for their country’s goals.
Despite considering herself a “STEM girl” year 12 student Aakriti Malhotra said it was her first time getting involved in the Model UN, and had “no idea what to expect” when she signed up to participate.
“I had no intention to make it all the way to nationals in Adelaide,” she said.
“It was really special, it’s amazing that our school has broken through the ranks.”
Representing Kenya in the grand final round, the team was given one night to prepare before competing the next morning.
Malhotra said it was the first time a team from Suzanne Cory had progressed past the state finals, and although the 17-year-old and her partner didn’t win, she said she was proud of the accomplishments the duo had achieved.
“I feel like this was a big step forward for the west and I hope we get to see a lot more achievements in the west,” she said.
“It’s important to me how we’re perceived.”
The grand final was held in Adelaide in December.
Fatima Halloum
