10 Straight: Rochelle Zell Model UN Wins Team Award Again

DEERFIELD, IL — Saying the team's current run outshines that of even the great Boston Celtics basketball dynasty of the 1950s and 1960s, Deerfield Mayor Dan Shapiro put the accomplishments of the Rochelle Zell Jewish High School Model UN team above all. Recently, the Deerfield High School celebrated its 10th straight victory in the national competition, held annually in New York City. Specifically, the Tigers won the National High School Model UN Conference's Top Team Award in March.

"That's a decade — unbelievable," Shapiro said in addressing the students at last week's Deerfield Village Board meeting. "You guys have achieved a wonderful accomplishment, and we're so proud of you."

According to the UN website, Model UN simulations engage hundreds of thousands of students each year. They are intended to help the students learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions. The competition consists of over 5,000 students.

Rochelle Zell seniors Adi Chazan and Ryan Jankelowitz are co-presidents of the club.

"This team worked super hard throughout this year, writing 10-page position papers on various issues that are affecting millions, if not billions of people around the world," Jankelowitz said. "They brought those efforts and their passion for the issues to [NYC]. They were able to work with people from around the world to help fix those issues."

Chazan added that the team members place an emphasis on collaboration and that has helped the competitors reach such high accolades. He said that it is one of the few clubs in the school that has representatives from every grade.

"It's a really unique space where you get to engage with people you wouldn't normally engage with," Chazan said.

Team members at the meeting included: Logan Blitz, Shahar Cohen, Olivia Roman, Daniel Weisskopf, Mitchell Gottlieb and Ronen Ousley.

"One of my favorite parts about Model United Nations at Rochelle Zell High School is that while we have two presidents per year, we have 26 leaders on the team," said Michael Paradiso, a faculty advisor. "It's amazing to see the leadership on the team, mentorship, and collaboration go on every year."