Held March 21-23, the Model UN program involved hundreds of students representing
nearly 30 Carolina high schools. The overall award — the Winthrop Cup — went to Ashley Ridge High students who represented
Egypt, Venezuela, Iraq, the Dominican Republic and Ireland. 
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Ashley Ridge High School of Summerville, South Carolina,
was awarded top honors March 23 at the 42th annual Model United Nations conference at Winthrop University.
Held March 21-23, the program involved hundreds of students representing nearly 30
Carolina high schools. An awards ceremony capped two days of deliberations over world
events and this year's theme, "International Commitment to the Preservation of Human Rights."
The overall award — the Winthrop Cup — went to Ashley Ridge High students who represented the countries of Egypt, Venezuela,
Iraq, the Dominican Republic and Ireland.
Summerville High School captured the Secretariat Award for contributing the most to the success of the conference.
The Geoffrey Bruce Award for the delegation acting most in character of its country went to the Rock Hill High team representing Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or more commonly known as North
Korea. Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina, was recognized for writing the Best Resolutions.
The Rookie Award for making their first appearance at the conference was given to A.C. Flora High School of Columbia, South Carolina.
Look for photos on Winthrop University's Facebook site.
Winthrop students recognized as outstanding advisors to their high school delegations were: Alexander
Earnest, Israel; Nathan Crunkilton, U.S.A.; Kyle Conrad, Venezuela; David Truesdale,
DPRK; Savanna Bannio, Brazil; and Kennedy Mayers, Nigeria.
This year's Secretariat operated under the student leadership of Brooks Hammett, secretary general; Philip Covington, director general; and Leyia Grant, coordinator general. The three organized the conference, contacted the high schools
and worked on logistics for the three-day event, as well as coordinated Winthrop students'
participation in the conference. Their advisor is Professor Chris Van Aller of the Department of Political Science.
For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services coordinator, at 803/323-2404 or e-mail her at longshawj@winthrop.edu.
