View News Details
Ramapo and Indian Hills students showcased their diplomacy and leadership skills at the AMUN XXVII regional conference hosted by Bergen Academies. Engaging in rigorous simulations of international committees—ranging from the World Health Organization to the European Union—delegates collaborated to draft resolutions on critical global issues like weapon trafficking and sustainable technology. Supported by guest speakers U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer and Fair Lawn Mayor Cristina Cutrone, the RIH programs collectively earned 14 awards and commendations, including "Outstanding Small Delegation" for Indian Hills High School.
On February 5th and 6th, the Model United Nations teams from Ramapo High School and Indian Hills High School attended AMUN XXVII, a regional conference hosted by Bergen Academies in Hackensack, New Jersey. During the two-day conference, students participated as delegates representing nations from around the globe, advocating for national interests and collaborating with peers from other school districts to draft resolutions addressing some of today’s most pressing global challenges.
Students engaged in a wide range of committees, including ECOFIN, WHO, SOCHUM, the European Union, CND, DISEC, PIF, as well as several specialized and crisis committees. These simulations required students to apply research, public speaking, negotiation, and critical-thinking skills in a fast-paced, collegiate-level environment.
The opening ceremonies featured guest speakers including U.S. House Representative Josh Gottheimer and Fair Lawn Mayor Cristina Cutrone, who welcomed delegates and emphasized the value of Model United Nations in empowering students to become informed, engaged citizens and in elevating student voices on issues with deep historical and contemporary significance.
This year’s conference welcomed hundreds of delegates from across New Jersey and New York. Students engaged in complex discussions on topics such as weapon trafficking, transnational drug networks, responses to rapid population growth, and advancing international standards for sustainable technology.
Preparing for a conference of this caliber required significant dedication and effort from the student leadership teams at both schools, who devoted countless hours to research, committee preparation, and peer coaching sessions in advance of the event.
Special recognition is extended to Leia Gomez, Mia Narula, Finn McCarthy, Jasper Ho, Irdas Shehu, Luke D’Altilio, Julia Coppo, and Maddie Kincel for their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence in helping prepare their teams for success.
Collectively, Ramapo and Indian Hills students earned 14 awards and commendations at the conference -- an impressive achievement that reflects the depth of preparation, collaboration, and academic rigor demonstrated by both programs.
Ramapo High School Awards & Commendations:
- Best Delegate (Specialized): Leia Gomez
- Best Delegate (JCC B): Finn McCarthy
- Outstanding Delegate (PIF): Keira Toal
- Outstanding Delegate (JCC A): Luke D’Altilio
- Honorable Mention (EU): Natalie Bohchalian
- Verbal Commendation (Specialized): Mia Narula
- Verbal Commendation (PIF): Jane Santos
- Verbal Commendation (SOCHUM): Sabrina Moroz
- Verbal Commendation (SOCHUM): Lily Lohman
Indian Hills High School Awards & Commendations:
- Best Delegate (UNSC): Julia Coppo
- Outstanding Delegate (JCC B): Andrew Fox
- Honorable Mention (ECOFIN): Abigail Chon
- Verbal Commendation (WHO): Maddie Kincel
- Outstanding Small Delegation: Indian Hills High School