Middletown Students Excel at YMCA Annual Model United Nations Conference

Three hundred local students represented The Community YMCA at this year’s annual YMCA Model United Nations Conference, which took place in Hershey, PA January 8-10 and January 15-17.

Working with nearly 2,000 students from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, Y delegates simulated the duties of United Nations Ambassadors by debating resolutions to address issues of international importance, such as global demilitarization, alternative energy, and oppressive government regimes through writing, presenting and debating.

Jackie Normyle, Teen Development Specialist, who oversees the Y’s program, said “the goal of the Model UN Program is to create informed students who feel empowered to engender change in their local communities and the world at large.”

“I am consistently impressed and humbled by the intelligence, compassion, and dedication of our students. The program attracts students who are proactive and engaged and helps them to see how they can reach their potential and begin to improve the world around them regardless of their age,” added Normyle.

The Community YMCA delegation was represented by the following schools:

Biotechnology High School, Red Bank Catholic, Red Bank Regional, Holmdel High School, Middletown High School North, Middletown High School South, Mater Dei School, Marine Academy of Science & Technology , Wall Intermediate School, Maple Place School, Saint James School, Satz School, Bayshore Middle School, Thompson Middle School, and Thorne Middle School.

Each year student delegates elect the officers that will serve for the coming year.

The Community YMCA delegation was recognized with a number of awards at each of the conferences. High School honors went to:

2015-2016 Officers:
Chair of NBC: Christina Froelich (Middletown South High School)

Moderator: Anekha Goyal (Biotechnology High School)

Chair of General Assembly: Sam Hubner (Middletown South High School)

Chair of G-20: Brian Gilbride (Marine Academy of Science & Technology)

Chair of Press Corps: Sara Heckman (Middletown South High School)

2016 Awards & Elections:
Recipient of the Evan & Beth Baum Scholarship: Sam Hubner (Middletown South High School)

Premier Diplomat, Press: JP Fleming (Middletown South High School)

Premier Diplomat, International Criminal Court: Chris Lomonaco (Red Bank Catholic High School)

Premier Diplomat, Non-Governmental Forum: Jack Anderson (Red Bank Regional High School)

Premier First Year Delegate Award: Jonathan Marty (Holmdel High School)

Outstanding Paper: Caitlin Garrett (Middletown South High School)

Outstanding Youth Secretariat: Megan Froelich (Middletown South High School) and Jenny Chu (Holmdel High School)

Conference on National Affairs Invitees:

JP Fleming (Middletown South High School)

Sam Hubner (Middletown South High School)

Jack Anderson (Red Bank Regional High School)

Conference On National Affairs Alternates:
Sara Heckman (Middletown South High School)
Christina Froelich (Middletown South High School)

The middle school conference focuses on the General Assembly and International Criminal Court in a modified format that allows middle school students to sample these two separate committees. Through experiential learning, the students acquired new skills in diplomacy, public speaking, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Middle school students were honored at their conference with the following nominations and awards:

Envoy A, Outstanding 1st Year Diplomat: Ava Costa (Thompson)

Envoy B, Premier 1st Year Diplomat: Avery Seldin (Thompson)

Envoy C, Premier Diplomat: Josie Howard (Maple Place)

Envoy D, Premier Diplomat: Sophie Larish (Thompson)

Outstanding Envoy Country Research Questionnaires:

Alex Marino (Thompson)

Josie Howard(Maple Place)

Cameron D’Mello (Satz)

Outstanding Country:

Sophie Larish (Thompson)

Alex Marino (Thompson)

Normyle added that The YMCA is “looking forward to starting the 2016 Youth & Government Program, which will give participants the opportunity to learn about the state legislative process and give them a chance to craft their own legislation to improve life in the state of New Jersey”.

Photo Caption: Sam Hubner, Chair of General Assembly, recipient of Evan & Beth Baum Scholarship and Conference On National Affairs Invitee, of Middletown South High School.

About The Community YMCA

The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $660,000 in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided by the YCares financial assistance program to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.