Millbrook students present memory book to French Embassy

MILLBROOK — Millbrook resident Alec A. Pandeleon was devastated, as was most of the world, by the massacre that took place in Paris, France, on Nov. 13, 2015. He was so moved that he went to the local funeral parlor and got a memory book. He then made four signs that said, “WE STAND WITH FRANCE” and went around Millbrook asking people if they would like to be photographed holding the signs. The photos were then compiled and presented, as an act of condolence, to the people of France.

After filling almost 10 pages with photos and signatures, Pandeleon then went to the French Club at Millbrook High School and asked if it would like to participate. The Millbrook High School U.N. Model Club liked the idea and ran with it. Led by teacher Georgia Herring, the club filled up the remainder of the book. 

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, members of the club, with Herring, visited the French Embassy while on a trip to the U.N. Students presented the book to Deputy Consul Yann Yochum. They were thanked. They also received a plaque for their efforts to lend support and comfort to the people of Paris in their time of need.

The U.N. Model Club is itself a special part of Millbrook High School. This not-for-credit club is a model of the actual United Nations, and students throughout the U.S. and around the world participate.  The club chooses what country it wants to study and represent. Last year, the Millbrook Club studied Austria,; this year it is involved with the an area of the Republic of Congo.  There are 23 students in the group, which breaks up into committees that then study and research the strengths and weaknesses of their adopted nation.

Participation culminates in a trip to New York City for a conference, where students meet with the other clubs and hold a mock U.N. session. 

“You really have to work hard because the other students know their stuff, and you want your work to be as good,” said student George Ouimet. 

The students even wear business attire, and they work hard to learn the ways of the United Nation. 

The club was started in 2001 by Herring and has had an average of 20 students each year.   Students get to learn about nations from around the world, while having meetings and conferences. Performing good deeds, like presenting the memory book to the French people, is just another part of the Model U.N. Club, focusing on both humanity and the triumph of good over evil.