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March 18, 2010

Model UN teaches future leaders

'This world is at their fingertips; it's real to them'

Staff Writer

CHAMPLAIN — About 440 students came together recently to discuss global issues at the 33rd-annual Model United Nations.

Northeastern Clinton Central School hosted the event, which brought together 13 schools from the North Country and Vermont.

Delegates participated in debates ranging from nuclear proliferation to the global recession.

DOING WHAT'S BEST
At the International Court of Justice, delegates debated International Criminal Court versus Hamas for crimes against Israel.

"Can we make a bottom-line goal to make Palestine feel less threatened?" asked Daniel Ormsbee, an NCCS senior representing the Palestinian Authority.

This was the 18-year-old senior's third year with the Model U.N.

"We may be sparking the fuel, but they are also giving it back," he said of the conflict, adding that the Model U.N. has taught him about international differences.

"I've learned that each country itself has different authorities, (and look to) do what's best for them and their people."

IN-DEPTH RESEARCH
Noah Wolcowicz, 17, of Plattsburgh High School was representing Pakistan at the International Court of Justice.

He said they were debating whether Hamas should be charged with war crimes.

"I've really gotten to learn where Pakistan stands on this issue," he said, adding that the Model U.N. gave him a more in-depth understanding by applying what he learned to real-life situations.

HUMANITARIANS
At the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) committee, delegates discussed issues surrounding child soldiers in Africa.

Molly Orman, a 17-year-old senior at Saranac Lake, marked her fourth year in the Model U.N. by representing Japan.

"(Child soldiers) aren't a problem in Japan," she said, adding that her country is most concerned with getting aid to countries to help stop youth soldiers. "I've learned that Japan is at the forefront of humanitarian issues."

GLOBAL FACTOR
Ashley Carter, 17, of Peru High School was representing Australia.

"(Australia believes in) stricter laws regarding the military age being 18," she said, mentioning that the country currently accepts 17-year-olds for military with parental consent, but it is in the process of enforcing that people be at least 18 to enlist.

"Australia has been its own country for less than 100 years. They're industrial and involved globally for such a new country."

'WORLD AT FINGERTIPS'
Co-Secretary-Generals Victoria Streker, 18, and Katherine Grovine, 17, along with adviser Kate Dermody, organized and ran the event.

Dermody, a social-studies teacher at NCCS, said the Model U.N. is an active learning experience for students.

"(It teaches them) that this world is at their fingertips, that it's real to them. It's one of the best experiences children can have in the North Country. It's about helping students become future leaders."

Grovine agrees.

The NCCS senior said the experience has helped her be less shy, especially after giving a speech to about 500 people at the opening ceremony.

"I've been able to become more of a leader through this," she said of her work on the event. "I've been able to communicate with fellow students."

Grovine hopes to go to Binghamton University to study nursing and be an advocate for humanitarian work.

Streker, also an NCCS senior, said the experience has helped her learn a lot about the world and about herself.

"You really learn how to manage your time and take charge. It really showed me what I was capable of."

Streker will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology and major in photography, with hopes to see the world.

"I need to travel. It really is a great experience for that."

E-mail Michelle Besaw at: mbesaw@pressrepublican.com

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