Elmont Model UN Students Host Senator Martins

Students from Gotham Avenue, Covert Avenue, Stewart Manor, Dutch Broadway, Alden Terrace and Clara H. Carlson Schools welcomed State Senator Jack M. Martins to their annual “Model UN Breakfast Forum” Saturday morning, January 22. Senator Martins greeted the participating students and congratulated them for their involvement in the highly recognized program. The students invited Senator Martins to give remarks at the opening of the program.

“It’s a great honor to have our new Senator Jack Martins here with us today,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Elmont Schools Kathy Safrey, who noted, “We are so pleased that he has partnered with us here today.”

Model UN is a simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate students about civics, effective communications, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. Students take on roles as foreign diplomats and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization.

“This program is motivating and inspiring our next generation of leaders, ambassadors, Senators and yes, Presidents,” said Senator Martins. “As I watched the power point presentation, and talked to our student delegates from the schools, I was not only impressed with their commitment, but also the fact that these young people are motivated to make a difference and are tackling the most difficult issues we face globally.”

During the program, students research a country, take on a role as a diplomat, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult and develop solutions to world problems. During the next few months and Model UN sessions, the Elmont students will be debating the issue of the dependence of petroleum as a fuel resource.

“This issue is such a timely and necessary discussion for all developed countries,” said Senator Martins, adding, “It’s the students in the Elmont Model UN who will be tackling it from all kinds of different perspectives and offering solutions. I couldn’t be more proud of these young people.”

Senator Martins was greeted at the Model UN conference by Principals Walter Aksionoff, Ken Rosner, Amy Buchanan, Andrew Weisman, Hope Kranidas, Marshall Zucker, Superintendent of Schools AlHarper and Mrs. Safrey. Also joining Senator Martins at the session were County Legislator John Ciotti, Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino and Assemblyman Ed Ra.