Three Alma College student delegations received recognition at the 50th Midwest Model United Nations Conference Feb. 17-20 in St. Louis, Mo.

The delegations representing the countries of Bangladesh and Colombia received “outstanding delegation” awards, while the team representing Malawi received honorable mention. In addition, 10 Alma students were recognized as outstanding and honorable mention delegates.

“This was the youngest group I’ve ever taken to a conference, and the students put on a dominating performance,” said Derick Hulme, faculty coordinator of Model UN at Alma College. “I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

A total of 75 delegations from colleges and universities throughout the Midwest competed at the regional conference.

Alma has earned 35 of the 83 “outstanding delegation” awards given during the last 17 years of the conference, said Hulme.

Model UN attempts to replicate the real United Nations in a competitive manner. Teams of college students take on identities of countries, and delegates from each country meet in committee to propose, discuss and debate topics relevant to issues facing the world community. Once resolutions are completed in committee, they are presented to the Model UN replication of the UN general assembly to be further debated before the assembly votes on resolutions.

Alma advances to the National Model United Nations Conference March 28 through April 3 in New York.

Members of “outstanding delegation” teams:

Representing Bangladesh: Taylor Gibson, Gowen senior; Kaitlyn Gordon, Muskegon freshman; Jonathon Haley, Harrison freshman; Grant Isley, Midland freshman; Elizabeth Wayne, St. Clair freshman.

Representing Colombia: Kelsey Allen, Bay City freshman; David Bechtold, Idaho Falls, Idaho, senior; Alaina Dague, Lake freshman; Tyler Jenkins, Vassar freshman; Kyla Wojtas, Macomb junior.

Members of “honorable mention” team:

Representing Malawi: Christopher Bilski, Lowell freshman; Christopher Chesney, Brownstown senior; Hunter Hill, Midland sophomore Madeleine Randolet, Midland freshman; Stephanie Shinn, Ada freshman; Ashley Yuill, Midland freshman.

The following students received “outstanding delegate” awards: Taylor Gibson, Gowen senior; Hunter Hill, Midland sophomore; Stephanie Shinn, Ada freshman.

The following students received “honorable mention” recognition: Kelsey Allen, Bay City freshman; Christopher Bilski, Lowell freshman; Christopher Chesney, Brownstown senior; Kaitlyn Gordon, Muskegon freshman; Kyla Wojtas, Macomb junior; Ashley Yuill, Midland freshman.