Nuclear proliferation, biological diversity, the Arab Spring, and the environmental and economic impact of multi-national corporations – These were a few of the topics debated at this year’s Model United Nations competition sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Student Council on World Affairs. Students from 5 area schools took on the challenge of representing an assigned country in a simulation of the United Nations. These student-delegates not only had to research the topics of debate, but also had to become experts on their assigned country. They studied demographics, economic systems, governments, natural resources, infrastructure, alliances, etc. and then argue the assigned topics from their nation’s perspective. “It provides a unique learning experience for all students involved,” said Mr. Thomas Staib, one of the advisors at the event. “The students are researching, writing, debating and then working cooperatively with other students to develop and present potential solutions to some pretty complex problems.”
The 20-student delegation from Greater Johnstown turned in a dominant performance, winning outright, or sharing the honor of Best Delegate in 3 of the 4 categories awarded, as well as winning 3 honorable mentions for the Best Delegate award. Nick Subich, Angie Stolar, and Kiersten Szczur were all recognized as Best Delegate in their respective committees, and Carly Cernic, Clare Stem, and Denzel Sullivan won Honorable mention for their efforts. Mr. Heinrich, another advisor to the group, said: “I am really excited about their performance. We have a lot of great students at this school that can compete with anyone academically. These students put in long hours after school and earned this recognition.”
