The HC Y-Club recently attended the annual Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA), returning with notable awards and honors. KUNA is a three-day conference in which students from the state of Kentucky engage in mock international debate, similar to a United Nations conference. 

At KUNA, student ambassadors and teacher advisors can win awards recognizing their achievements. In this year’s conference, HC was recognized as a Premiere Delegation, senior Caroline Costich won an Outstanding Speaker award, junior Layla Bryant won an Outstanding Ambassador award, junior Alex Taylor and senior Connor Carpenter won an Outstanding Resolution award, and teachers Elise Perry and Jamie Clark were inducted into the KUNA Advisor Hall of Fame.

While winning awards brings much pride to HC, Y-Club members find value in the knowledge KUNA allows them to gain through debate as well.

“KUNA taught me a lot about how different events impact different parts of the world,” Zoe Breitigan, Y-Club President said. “I have learned that it’s important to not only advocate for the country you represent, but also other countries around you.”

The conference allows club members to interact to a greater degree with student leaders around the country, learning about our world simultaneously. 

“KUNA has taught me to look at things from a perspective different from one I’m used to and has allowed me to connect with new people from all over the state of Kentucky,” Caroline Costich, first-year member and Outstanding Speaker said. 

Furthermore, KUNA maintains a commitment to establishing fun learning activities for students outside of debate.

“At KUNA, there is an event called World Expo in which students make projects, showcasing facts about the country they represent,” Breitigan said. “I love getting to walk around and learn about new countries— it’s such a valuable experience.”

When HC teachers Elise Perry and Jamie Clark were inducted into the KUNA Advisor hall of fame for their ten-year commitments to the club, students Zoe Breitigan, Melahnia Browne, EP Cassidy, and Caroline Costich gave an address to the conference on the advisors’ impact at HC. 

“I think Ms. Perry and Ms. Clark are both really key role models to a lot of girls throughout Henry Clay,” Costich said. “They are great advisors who are there to pick you up when you’re struggling. They always show you how to do what you need to.”

“Being inducted shows the commitment Ms. Perry and Ms. Clark have for the club,” Breitigan said. “As the advisor for the club, Ms. Perry always opens her room up to us for meetings, makes sure we have our paperwork and money turned in on time, and is a great mentor.”

Although this marks the last Y-Conference for the 2023-24 school year, students interested into delving into a world of international debate should contact Ms. Perry, the club sponsor, for information on next year’s Y-Club.