October 13, 2011

32nd Annual Hilton Model United Nations held Nov. 4-5 at Hilton HS; 420 delegates from 30 area high school convened, address crises on the world stage

The 32nd annual Hilton Model United Nations [MUN] Conference featuring more than 400 students from more than 30 area high schools convened Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5 at Hilton High School, 400 East Ave., Hilton.  The opening session included speeches from the Secretaries General for 2011, Maggie McGrane and Nikhil Benesch.  Welcome address was delivered by Vice President of the Hilton CSD Board of Education Aggie Seneway; and keynote address from NYACLU/Genesee Valley Chapter President Kaelyn Rich. 

At left are, from left, Hilton MUN Coordinator Annette Wattie, Kaelyn Rich, Aggie Seneway and David Dimbleby, Hilton CSD Superintendent of Schools.

Schedule Friday Nov. 4: 2:30 pm-3:15 pm Registration; 3:30 pm-4:15 pm Opening Ceremony in HHS Auditorium with keynote address by KaeLyn Rich - NY Civil Liberties Union of the Genesee Valley Director; Fundraiser: Direct Relief International; 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm Dinner; Committee Sessions through 8:15 pm

Saturday Nov. 5:  9 am Committee Sessions; 11:45 am-1:15 pm Lunch; 2 pm Advisor Meetings; 3:45 pm-4:45 pm Awards Ceremony in HHS Auditorium

The MUN Conference featured committee work in these committees: Territory and Foreign Intervention [TFI]; Disarmament; International Criminal Court; Legal and Political; Social, Humanitarian and Cultural; Human Rights; Special Political; World Health Organization; UN Children's Fund; UN Environmental Programme; UNESCO [UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization] as well as the Security Council; General Assembly ; and a Press Corps.  Full list: Security Council and Committee Chair Assignments

Students had been preparing and researching for the conference.  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 MUN 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.  According to MUN rules: "Crisis committees throw you headfirst into the turmoil in the Middle East or the ensuing hurricane in South America, which conveniently occur a few hours into debate. Research is out of the question; you, along with your fellow delegates, must form an on-the-spot plan to mitigate damage, while your chairs thwart your every solution. There is more involved than your average committee and is recommended for delegates with at least one conference of experience. "

For further information, please contact Hilton High School Social Studies Program Coordinator and MUN Advisor, Annette Wattie, who may be reached at 585-392-1000 ext. 2335 and visit the Rochester MUN: http://hilton-unar.org/