Overton High School Student To Preside Over Model UN Conference On Nov. 6

From the Metro Nashville Public Schools:

October 30, 2020

Solmin Kim says she can be quiet and shy. Just ordering fast food can make her “so nervous.”

But Solmin, a senior at Overton High School, showed confidence and determination when she ran for General Assembly president of the Tennessee YMCA Center for Civic Engagement’s Model United Nations. And she had more than just her own ambitions in mind when she gave her campaign speech to approximately 1,000 high school delegates from around the state at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro last year.

“I wanted to show that our delegation was small but mighty,” Solmin said of Overton’s Model UN group. “And we proved that.”

Now Solmin is getting ready to preside over this year’s Model UN conference November 6-8. It will be held virtually this time, and participation will be down somewhat as a result, but she’s still excited to lead the General Assembly’s 700 or so delegates through their debating sessions and other business.

Solmin, who is also active in the YMCA Youth In Government program, which focuses on state issues, joined Model UN as a freshman at Overton after her older brother, who had participated in Model UN at Hume-Fogg, encouraged her to try it. She was one of just three freshmen and just eight students overall, but she loved listening to and participating in the discussions of international politics by passionate, articulate students keen on changing the world.

Three years later, more than 20 Overton students are involved in Model UN, and the energy and commitment are just as strong.

“They all have compassion,” Solmin said. “Even though we know this is a role-play situation, we all want the best outcome in the end. Our goal really is to help the world. We vote for what’s best for the people of that nation. The young people are the future, and I think the adults are right that we have a lot to say, and we’re going to do great things.”

Solmin, who attended Julia Green Elementary School and Oliver Middle School, said her love for Overton drives her. The many languages overheard in the hallways inspire her, making school “so much more fun,” and the teachers look out for the students and keep them on track.

Solmin’s teachers, in turn, say she’s a joy to work with.

“She is much more than just an outstanding student. She is an amazing leader,” said Greg Francescon, a U.S. Government teacher at Overton who has co-sponsored Model UN and Youth In Government for several years. “She leads by example. She is selfless. She is honest as the day is long. She is always willing to help others without hesitation or being asked. I could go on and on, but one last thing, she truly listens to what people have to say and truly cares how they feel. Overton and the Nashville community is a better place because Solmin is part of it.”

“Overton should be proud of her accomplishments – she makes us shine!” counselor Elizabeth McClurg said.

Solmin is applying to colleges now, with plans to study sociology and become a professor or researcher.

This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.