A colorful Parade of Nations Ceremony began the Model United Nations (MUN) Day as 270 Eight Grade students marched into and filled the Highland Middle School's Gymnasium early Friday morning under the leadership of Mrs. Kelly D'Annolfo and Mrs. April Eckman. "Welcome to all our hard working students, our special guests and community sponsors, including: Medina Sunrise Rotary, Rotary District 6630, Dunkin Donuts, McJak Candy, PTO and our Highland High School Debate Team volunteers."
“I am filled with Faith and Pride in each and every one of our student delegates. The Model UN Day is a very intense program, beginning with summer essays and culminating in our general sessions and caucuses the following May,” Ms. D'Annolfo added, explaining that Highland's Model UN Day requires knowledge, maturity and quick thinking. “It is months of preparation and on-your-feet thinking for this day. Highland Schools have done an excellent job of preparing our students for this global learning experience. Our MUN students are learning how to go from scholarship to service. They are learning how to be truly global citizens, to turn dreams into change, and become tomorrow's future leaders who are united in a shared vision of peace, justice, human rights and sustainable development for all peoples of the world."
Following a spiritual performance by the Sanyuka Children's Choir from Uganda and a stirring solo from Highland student Hannah Tramonte, Dr. Shail Jain, President of Medina Sunrise Rotary, delivered the keynote address. "This dynamic program is celebrating its 11th year and was the inspiration of 8th Grade Language Arts teacher Kelly D'Annolfo and co-developed by April Eckman. Model United Nations Day draws a diverse group of 270 informed 8th grade students and community leaders from "The Highland Family" within Medina County to address topical global issues. More than just classes, this represents year-long experiential learning programs that provide students with a better understanding of the inner workings of the UN and a forum to hone skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, compromise, public speaking, writing, and research. As the Highland students here today hold their caucuses and debate their country resolutions, we invite them to join with Rotary, which was a founding signatory to the United Nations charter, to share our vision and connect the world: Together, we see a world where people everywhere unite and take action to create lasting change -- across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
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