Two Ferrahian students awarded at Local Model United Nations Competition

BY GAREN BOSTANIAN
LOS ALAMITOS—Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High school students participated in the Model United Nations Conference on February 19, 2011. A total of 40 students gave their full commitment to this competition and were eager and determined to bring back an award.
Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other nations. In this particular session, the   participants were analyzing the issues under the United Nations Security Council. Each group was assigned a country and two of the following topics: Non-Proliferation and North Korea and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). While they thought of their own resolutions to present at the conference, they also dug into the history of the topics as well as the UN involvement. Over the period of several months, the delegates were involved in heavy researching, critical thinking, and rigorous writing to fully prepare their papers. As we all can see, Model UN requires hours of research, constant updating within the world news, and continuous rewriting of their papers.
After a brief introduction ceremony, the delegates scrambled to their assigned rooms and quickly commenced their debate. Each group took their turn, by explaining their country’s position on the current issue and elaborated upon possible solutions. Points were granted to the delegates who participated with comments, delivered efficient speeches, as well as being heavily involved during the caucuses and while drafting resolutions.
Farah Kandah and Areg Demirjian were the two freshmen recipients of the Accommodation Award. Congratulations to all the participants and good luck for next year’s conference.
On March 4, 5, and 6, several Ferrahian high school students, will be competing at Model UN at the University of California Berkeley.