April 10, 2012

Northwood Elementary holds Second Annual Model United Nations April 5 with two keynote speakers, MUN committees deliberating international issues

Students at Northwood Elementary School under the direction of REACH teacher Brittany Williams held the second annual elementary Model United Nations conference at the school April 5, 2012 with two keynote speakers, Dr. Elaine Spaull and Mr. Jim Georger.  The MUN conference allowed students to simulate the actual work of the United Nations, learn public speaking skills and work together in committees to solve problems.

Alex Gunkel, left, a sixth grade student at Northwood Elementary in Brittany Williams’ REACH [gifted and talented] class, was honored April 20, 2012 by the United Nations Association of Rochester with the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award at the 67th Annual Dinner and Awards Meeting which honors community members for their volunteer work, humanitarian work, and impact in the community.  "Alex was chosen as a volunteer for his work and effort at the 2012 St. John Fisher UNAR Model United Nations Conference," Miss Williams said.  "  - read more -

"The goal introduce students to different cultures throughout the world," Ms. Williams said. "Throughout the unit students have had the opportunity to explore different cultures, write position papers and resolutions, and participate in high school level Model United Nations conferences as pages. Students were assigned a country and able to choose a committee to solve problems from Child Labor to the spread of infectious diseases.

At right, students Gianna Abore; Garret Spring, Loren Gizzy, Hailey Parsons, Alexis Distefano, and Melina Michalidis participate in the World Health Organization committee writing resolutions to help stop the spread of infectious diseases.

Student delegates and the countries they represented were: Australia - Hailey Parsons, Michael Healey; Brail - Hailey McCue; China - Gianna Arbore , Meghan Schiano; Finland - Andrew Bradbury, Vincenzo LaBarbera; France - Emma Neary, Siena Saluzzo; Germany - Marina DiVasta, Shauna Glavin; India - Garrett Spring; Japan - Michael Speciale; Mexico - Michael Bradbury, Shawn O'Donoghue; Nigeria - Adrian Migliore, Alex Gunkel, Emily Sutton; Republic of Korea - Kyle Johnson, Loren Gizzi, Michael Abbott; Russian Federation - Matt Wiza; Saudi Arabia - Carine Chakra, Elizabeth Adams; United Kingdom - Alexis Distafano, Emily Marino, Juliana Helfer; Venezuela - Maleek Cusack,  and Press Corps - Camryn Traeg, Melina Michailidis.

Keynote speakers was Elaine Gallina Spaull, PhD, JD,  Executive Director at The Center for Youth which offers immediate and safe alternatives to youth ages 12–21 years.  She is also a member of the Rochester City Council and recipient of numerous awards for her civic activity on behalf of youth.  Also on hand for the second year is Mr. Jim Georger, Advisor and Recruiting Coordinator at the College at Brockport, SUNY, DELTA College Program as well as Hilton High School Model UN Club members Brandon Mcauliff, Brianna Durante, Moriah Krause, Mallory Lincourt, Meth Mesavage, Allison Porcello, Melissa Scacchetti and Elize Wiza.