On January 17-20, sixteen members of the West Milford High School Model United Nations team attended the XII annual Columbia University Model UN Conference.  The group faced stiff competition from over 700 students, in such categories as “The World Health Organization” and “The European Union.” 

Senior Matt Kasturas debated the Oslo Accords as a member of the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization), while Sophomore Mike Galioto issued press releases from the failing state of Somalia.  Advisor Ed Marzalik noted the diversity of the student competitors, who hailed from schools in Guatemala, Canada and California.  Junior Megan Chirichella enthused, “I am working to take over Spain militarily,” in her part in the Spanish Civil War. 

 Special recognition went to Sophia Metcalf who received Best Delegate in the Occupy Wall Street Committee, Stephanie Buechel who earned Outstanding Delegate in the Cosa Nostra: The Five Families of the New York Mafia Committee, and Katie Schiller who received a Verbal Commendation in the Haitian Rebellion Committee.  The Model UN team competes at Bergen Academies in February and at St. Peters in March.