On Wednesday, April 7th, 2010, Dr. Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, visited Fort Hamilton High School and its Model United Nations Club to recognize their achievements and participation in this nationwide program. Accompanied by U.S. Representative Michael McMahon, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York City Councilman Vincent Gentile, Dr. Rice addressed a packed auditorium, posed for pictures with students and answered questions from the Model UN class. Fort Hamilton High School Principal Jo Ann Chester, Assistant Principal Social Studies Gregory Abood, and Model UN coordinator Jennifer Glass were applauded by Dr. Rice, an American foreign policy advisor, for their commitment and dedication to diversity, learning and excellence.
Over 30 Model U.N. students interfaced with Dr. Rice. Senior Marie Elaina Caggiano commented, “Meeting Ambassador Rice, a woman of such prestige, was remarkable and awe-inspiring. As a member of the Model UN, Ambassador Rice's dedication to our country as well as others is encouraging and inspirational. Her speech's eloquence and genuineness not only touched members of our club, but all those present during this historic moment for Fort Hamilton High School. Our principal, Mrs. Chester, promotes unity among our diversified school population and club and refers to Fort Hamilton High School as a “mini-United Nations”. Ms. Glass, our Model UN Supervisor, worked so diligently to make our club a successful one. Both Ms. Chester and Ms. Glass contributed to the festivities of the day that will forever be remembered by the Class of 2010.”
Another senior, Marlin Duro, stated, “Dr. Rice was truly an inspiration. Her motivational speech encouraged my classmates and me to work harder to achieve our goals. She stressed that one does not need to be from elite families to be successful. Being an immigrant to this country, I was given hope that someday, I will achieve my dream of becoming a lawyer and a politician. I am very grateful that Ms. Glass and Mrs. Chester made this an unforgettable event.”
In Model UN, students act as ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization's agenda. Students make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the conference rules of procedure - all in the interest of mobilizing "international cooperation" to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.