Model U.N. participants shine in the Big Apple

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 19, 2012) -- Four Albany High School students earned honorable mentions May 19 for their work at a Model United Nations Conference in New York City that drew some 2,500 students from around the world.

The 13th Annual Global Classrooms International Model U.N. Conference was held May 17-19 at U.N. headquarters. Model U.N. is a student simulation of the real UN; each participating student is assigned to represent a country and debate issues facing it and the global community.

Sophomore Zilpa Oduor and junior Jessica Ren received honorable mention awards for their work as Nigerian delegates to the Human Rights Council, where they debated topics including elimination of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia.

Junior June Criscione and sophomore Anna Stoneman received their honorable mentions for work as Cape Verde delegates to the U.N. Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (U.N. Women, for short). They debated the role of women in peace and security.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves about 8,700 students in 15 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.