Recently, 20 Fuqua School students, along with students from Amelia Academy, Appomattox Christian Academy, Appomattox County High School, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School and Prince Edward County High School, met at Hampden-Sydney College to participate in the 2015 Southside Virginia Model United Nations conference.

The Model UN, a nationwide, student-led program that imitates the United Nations General Assembly, gives students the opportunity to learn the functions and responsibilities of the General Assembly and employ research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills as they participate. They debate current global issues and work through potential diplomatic solutions to world problems. This year Fuqua students represented the United States, Germany, South Africa, Jordan, Nigeria, Bolivia, Chad and Chile.

Over the course of the three days, representatives discussed providing clean drinking water in Africa and debated solutions for the Syrian refugee crisis. The assembly witnessed some heated debates between delegations.

Following the final session awards were given to delegations for their outstanding participation. The Jordanian delegation from Fuqua School represented by Michael Thornton was received honorable mention.

“This is the second time I have attended Model UN, and both times I thoroughly enjoyed myself,” co-president of Fuqua’s Model UN Club David Hice said,  “And I was impressed by the dedication of Hampden-Sydney students to this conference.” 

The next conference will be at Hampden-Sydney College in November 2016.