Southeast students raising funds to attend Model UN

Eleven Southeast Missouri State University students will represent the African nation of Rwanda at an international Model United Nations gathering in New York City in April.

The students, members of Southeast Missouri Model United Nations, will be among 3,900 students from around the world who are scheduled to attend the event April 3 to 10.

The event will feature student discussions on a number of current United Nations issues.

"We are trying to research our country so well that we would take the same position as they would," said Carmen Montes, secretary general of the Southeast Missouri Model United Nations.

Montes said the trip to New York, which includes a mock session at the United Nations building, will cost the Southeast delegation about $10,000.

"We have raised about $2,000," she said.

The group hopes to raise the rest of the money at a silent auction on Friday at Stev-Mark gallery, 16 N. Spanish. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The silent auction will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Complimentary wine will be served. Jazz pianist Sonya Lorelle will perform.

Montes said the auction will feature about $2,000 worth of prizes, including several golf outings, a bed and breakfast package, and artwork donated by local restaurants.