Buses from over 30 school districts as far away as Syracuse and Ithaca rolled up to Hilton High School on a Friday afternoon so 550 students could participate in the 38th Annual Hilton Model United Nations Conference on November 3 and 4. The student-directed event provides debate opportunities for both new and experienced high school delegates.
Students chaired 15 different committees based on actual UN committees that debate proposals, present position papers and vote on resolutions. Schools select the country/countries they want to represent and delegates prepare before the conference by researching that country’s stand on issues and current problems. Delegates take an active role in committee representing their country while following parliamentary procedures.
In addition to being an opportunity to learn and collaborate with students from other schools, Model UN raises funds for charity. Students sell carnations and compete in “Jar Wars” to see which committee can raise the most money for a charity selected by the keynote speaker. This year’s recipient is the American Red Cross. Students raised over $3,000 to aid those affected by recent hurricanes and tropical storms.
Hilton teacher Annette Wattie has coordinated the Conference for the past eight years. Prior to that, Robert Phillips, a retired Hilton teacher, and his wife, Mary, also a retired Hilton teacher, ran the conference for over 30 years.
