Roxboro and Monticello Middle Schools earned several top awards at the Junior Ohio Model United Nations in Columbus, Ohio.
At the event, which took place March 15-17, around 1,000 students presented and debated more than 150 resolutions while dressed in costumes representing their countries' traditional clothing. The District sent four countries to the event.
The District’s delegations included Antigua and Barbuda, and Bosnia and Herzegovina from Monticello Middle School; Botswana, Guatemala, Samoa, and Serbia from Roxboro Middle School.
Out of the 153 nations there, Monticello Middle School’s Antigua and Barbuda won Outstanding Nation.
The Outstanding Delegate Award for exemplary performance throughout the entire simulation was given to Aleysia Brooks of Antigua and Barbuda, Jesse Gross of Serbia, and Rhiannon Kuntz of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Leadership Award for delegates who demonstrated initiative throughout the preparation and development portion of the event were given to Suvedini Ainkaran of Antigua and Barbuda, and Jesse Gross of Serbia.
Five contests were held on Monday. The Peace Essay runner-up award was given to Rajani Tabor of Samoa. The Global Agenda Issues runner-up award was given to Suvedini Ainkaran of Antigua and Barbuda.
The World Problem Solving winning trophy was given to Rhiannon Kuntz of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda were respresented by Suvedini Ainkaran, Chayla Barnes, Aleysia Brooks, Emily Cassady, Rhiannon Kuntz, Chantee McMillan, Maria Tarnay, and Miranda Wyse.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were represented by David Adams, Maple Buescher, Patrick Dooner, Leo Kenealy, Abigael Lynette, Dorothea Prech, Leela Rajeswaran, Meridith Vandall, and Joshual Wendorf.
Botswana was represented by Peter Bambakidis, Ryen Briscoe-Reynolds, Rohan Bruce, Caroline Imka, Charlie King, Jonah May, and Lila Schubert.
Guatemala was represented by Sylvie Crowell, Angel Goodluck, Georgie Jolivette, Natalie Noble, Julia O’Donnell, and Brynn Pierce.
Samoa was represented by Abra Lisowski, Fiona Macke, Madalyn Shelt, Elena Rinaldi, Rajani Tabor, Anna Turner, and Marissa Veccia.
Serbia was represented by Sydney Ball, Jesse Gross, Veronica Gross, Lili Roosa, Sylvia Snow-Rackley, and Beatrice Woodside.
The delegations wrote resolutions that they presented and defended at the simulation. Antigua and Barbuda’s resolution was “ Somewhere Over the Rainbow – ‘Freedom of Choice’” and presented by Suvedini Ainkaran, Rhiannon Kuntz, and Maria Tarnay. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s resolution was “Some More Security Please” and presented by Maple Buescher and Leo Kenealy. Botswana’s resolution was “Save the Refugees” and presented by Rohan Bruce, Ryen Briscoe-Reynolds, and Charlie King. Guatemala’s resolution was “Promoting Education and Agricultural Sustainability” and presented by Angel Goodluck, Sylvie Crowell, and Georgie Jolivette. Samoa’s resolution was “Vaccination for Invasive Diseases” and presented by Abra Lisowski, Madalyn Shelt, and Fiona Macke. Serbia’s resolution “LGBT Rights” was presented by Jesse Gross, Beatrice Woodside, and Lili Roosa.
Antigua and Barbuda’s, Serbia’s and Guatemala’s resolutions provoked vigorous debate on the first night of committee sessions; they went on to the second day and were presented in Human Rights Council Sessions.
All delegations participated in the talent showcase. Antigua and Barbuda performed a native dance to the song “Maria,” written by an islander from Antigua, accompanied by live drumming. Bosnia and Herzegovina performed a folktale regarding three brothers, a pear tree, and a witch demonstrating that unselfishness and compassion are better than greed to possess. Botswana performed a traditional Tswana wedding. Guatemala performed a bilingual song about the importance of fish in their culture, followed by a dance. Samoa acted out a traditional Samoan folk tale. Serbia recited and acted out a historical Serbian epic poem.
Also at the event, next year’s officers were elected by all delegates to serve as the Junior Ohio Model United Nations for 2016. The delegates who will serve next year are:
Council President: Angel Goodluck and Rhiannon Kuntz
Council Vice Presidents: Sylvie Crowell, Jesse Gross, Georgie Jolivette, and Brynn Pierce
Teacher advisors Deborah Frost, Janet Lechleitner, John Powaski, and Anthony Provenzale say they are very proud of all the students on all countries and already looking forward to next year.