The high school auditorium was transformed into the United Nations Headquarters on 1st Avenue when students organized and carried out a model U.N. conference on Dec. 17.

Representing nation-members of the U.N., the students lined the auditorium stage to debate a number of global topics, including the containment and prevention of the Ebola virus, global terrorism and nuclear proliferation. Mixed into the debate were real-time interruptions to comment on the recent terrorist attack in Pakistan and an attack at an airport.

The model U.N. conference was supervised by social studies team leader Dawn Mizrachi and teacher Kelly Morenus. Dowling College interim Dean Brian Stipelman, along with Dowling professors Nathalia Rogers and Carlos Cunha, were also on hand to observe the proceedings. Amityville senior Malcolm Mathis served as the presiding officer for the debates, which grew in intensity as each student weighed in with their respective country’s views on the topics.

The event was a culmination of weeks of research and training as students delved into the debate topics and mapped out positions to share during the conference.