Secretary General Tom Hanley welcomes delegates to the 33rd Annual Model UN Conference at Hilton High School. Students from over 30 area high schools were in attendance.The 33rd Annual Model United Nations Conference at Hilton High School on November 9 and 10 drew hundreds of students from over 30 area high schools. Tom Hanley and Mohini Sharma, who both served as secretary general, addressed the packed auditorium during the Opening Ceremony Friday afternoon. “What I love about Model UN is that it brings passionate, kind, creative people together and gives them an opportunity to listen to their peers and work toward a common goal,” said Sharma, a Brighton student.
Students sold carnations and competed in jar wars to raise money for the Catherine Bertini Trustee Fund for Girls’ Education. This initiative was started with a donation from former World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Catherine Bertini – her entire $250,000 World Food Prize. The Bertini Fund aims to improve access to training and education for women and girls, primarily by supporting innovative efforts by WFP country offices to reach girls who are not currently participating in school meal programs.
Bertini also was the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony on Saturday. Bertini transformed WFP into the world’s largest humanitarian organization. She led the efforts to end famine in North Korea, avert starvation in Afghanistan, ensure food was delivered effectively during the crisis in Bosnia and Kosovo, and prevent starvation in the Horn of Africa. Currently, she is professor of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
The Model United Nation simulates the real United Nations with debates following parliamentary rules; resolutions being presented at the General Assembly and working their way through committees; and delegates from each Model UN school prepared to represent ‘their country.’ Students are judged on diplomacy, speaking, representation, quality of debating, and overall ability. All students are encouraged to speak at the conference and if a crisis should arise (which it often does), delegates are expected to give an accurate representation of their country’s views on that area.
HOLLEY
Holley helps break sport stacking world record
Holley fifth-grade students Dawson Cook, Bradley Reome, Jordan Grein and Michael Alicia practice pushups while sport stacking. Stations throughout the gym infused Presidential fitness test drills with the world-record attempt.It was cup crazy on Thursday, November 15 as thousands of participants around the globe took part in a new Guinness World Records for the “World’s Largest Sport Stacking Event.”
The final number is still being tallied but the World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) has verified that more than 450,000 students participated in the event, breaking the 2011 record of 412,259.
Holley Elementary contributed 231 participants to the world record as K-6 students who had physical education class on that Thursday participated throughout the day. This was the fourth year that the district has taken part in the event.
Stations were set up in the Intermediate gym with different sport stacking activities and a variety of timers. Some of the stations will infuse fitness into sport stacking as the students will be practicing for the Presidential fitness test while sport stacking.
Those who participate received a cup stacking sticker on Thursday and will receive a certificate from the WSSA once the count is official.
“Sport stacking is an activity enjoyed by all ages and cultures. It promotes hand-eye coordination, fitness, teamwork, speed and lots of fun,” said Bob Fox, WSSA founder and CEO. “This is the seventh year we’ve teamed up with Guinness World Records, and we’re excited to have another shot at breaking a world record.”
HCSD kindergarteners celebrate Thanksgiving
Holley kindergarteners Mackenzie Fiorito, Alyssa Armstrong and Rebecca Sharping show off their pine cone turkeys, part of the Thanksgiving feast decor.On Friday, November 16, the Holley kindergarten classes enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast as the Elementary School marked its 17th year of the tradition.
Students created pilgrim hats, pilgrim bonnets and headbands with feathers for the event. There were also turkeys made out of pine cones and craft supplies, as well as place mats for each child and their guests.
The Food Service staff cooks the meal including turkeys, trimmings and dessert. Family members, guests and HCSD staff and teachers help to serve the food.
Provided photo
