Junior August Malemud is helping lead the Solon High School Model United Nations club after being elected as MUN president. After joining MUN as a sophomore, MUN members said he has made debating more approachable and inclusive for the younger members.
After being elected, Malemud said all the encouragement from club members and former officers motivated him to take responsibility.
“I didn’t expect to win, and I didn’t expect to get the level of support that I did,” Malemud said. “I’m also glad last year’s officers picked me to take on this role.”
Malemud joined MUN with his friend, Tre Malia. The two initially joined the club because it seemed fun.
“We realized we were pretty good at it because we won our first conference and kept doing well,” Malemud said.
He said the club’s wide range of debate topics is a part of what makes it appealing to so many students.
“Even if you don’t like debating world politics, you can debate anything from American politics to whether a hot dog is a sandwich,” he said. “We have so much variety every week, and it’s going to be a great year.”
Since becoming president, Malemud has focused on improving the club’s atmosphere and encouraging new students to participate.
“I want to make MUN more fun and welcoming,” Malemud said. “My first year felt intimidating, so I want new members to feel comfortable speaking up and participating by keeping a non-judgmental environment, making sure to know all the members.”
Malemud also hopes to expand MUN opportunities to Solon Middle School students to create a pipeline for younger students interested in debate and diplomacy.
“There hasn’t been a MUN club in middle school– it’s been tried before, but no one ever follows through with it, and I feel it will be a great help with less commitment compared to something like Speech & Debate,” Malemud said.
Three-year MUN member Srineev Sharma said Malemud’s leadership and personality made him the clear choice for president.
“Most people agreed August was the best choice because of his skill and dedication,” Sharma said. “He’s approachable whether you’re new or experienced, and he encourages everyone to do their best.”
Sharma said Malemud balanced a relaxed personality with strong leadership during conferences.
“He’s easy to work with, but he also knows how to lead a committee and keep control of a room,” Sharma said.
Still, Malemud acknowledged that the team’s success sometimes came with pressure. He said he hopes to create a more supportive atmosphere within the club moving forward.
“We actually won the Best Large Delegation at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, which was amazing, but I would trade any day for a less stressful and warmer environment,” Malemud said.
MUN adviser Robert Northrup said Malemud’s openness and energy position the club for growth.
“August supports what the club wants while also helping move it forward,” Northrup said. “He’s open to discussion, but he’s also confident enough to lead.”
Malemud also hopes to continue MUN beyond high school, seeing it as both an academic passion and a way to keep developing his skills.
“I’d like to compete in Model UN at Northwestern, which is my dream school,” Malemud said.
Sharma said Malemud’s leadership has helped create a more welcoming and engaging environment for both experienced members and newcomers, and he believes that impact will continue to shape the future club.
“People will remember that August was one of the leaders who brought Solon’s MUN from a small, niche club to a fast-growing club that people actually enjoy going to meetings for,” Sharma said. “Most members respect him for his achievements and trust him because of his approachability.”
One of Malemud’s biggest goals is helping inexperienced students gain confidence, something he said comes from his own experience during his first conference.
“My first conference was very scary because I had to speak in front of everyone,” Malemud said. “I want new members to realize there’s always a way to find their voice.”
