After 40 years of hosting a Model United Nations Conference that drew students from nearly three dozen school districts, Hilton High School created a virtual event so students could still participate during the pandemic. The student-directed event provides debate opportunities for both new and experienced high school delegates.
“Thank you to the Secretary-Generals, Selin Akbas and Robbie Daly; and the Under-Secretary-Generals, Andrew Guo and Isabela Mulcahy. You have handled the challenges of organizing a virtual Model UN Conference with grace, maturity and professionalism, all while balancing the uncertainties and changes of life during a pandemic,” said Martha Burke, who along with Sandra Mayer coordinated the event for the first time this year.
This year’s Model UN Conference was represented by four secretaries, 35 chairpersons, 13 committees and Zoom hosts, 18 schools, 38 nations, and 223 delegates.
The committees students chaired are 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.
“This year, the perseverance required to put on a virtual conference is a testament to the group of young adults and faculty advisors involved,” said Hilton High School Principal Dr. Jeffrey Green. “Collaboration among multiple school districts and multiple members of the Hilton Central staff overcoming countless obstacles to plan is a truly inspiring thing to be a part of.”
In addition to being an opportunity to learn and collaborate with students from other schools, Model UN raises funds for charity. Students normally sell carnations and compete in “Jar Wars” to see which committee could raise the most money for a charity, but this year students were asked to donate directly to three organizations serving the Rochester community during the pandemic – Pencils and Paper, Mothers in Need, and Lifespan.
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