Students place in United Nations model conference

South Houston High’s Model UN contingent visits the Empire State Building. Pictured are (back) SHHS Assistant Principal Paula Ballew, Ulisses Gonzalez, Meet Patel, faculty sponsor Matthew Koska, Shivam Vakil, Alan DeLeon, Mario Gonzalez; and (front) Hanna

Ten students from South Houston High School recently placed with high honors in the International Model United Nations conference in New York.

Four of the students received honorable mention in the competitive portion of the conference. Out of 2,400 students in attendance, only four dozen earned awards.

Students Olga Trevino and Shivam Vakil earned honorable mention on the General Assembly Committee.

Meet Patel and Karen Cruz received honorable mention on the Earth Summit Committee.

Junior Jose Duran was picked for the UN press corps and won best candid photo.

The other students representing South Houston included Selena Barron, Alan Deleon, Ulisses Gonzales, Mario Gonzales and Hannah Arnold.

"It was an experience the students will not forget," said the group's sponsor, Matthew Koska, in the press release. "They have made a name for South Houston and Pasadena ISD among the rank and file of the world's greatest international schools. Friends have been made and memories cemented in their minds."

Koska helped form the South Houston Model UN a year ago when a group of students came to him with an interest in world affairs. Last year the South Houston Trojans won the Outstanding Small Delegation Award in the Houston Area Model UN.

This year, South Houston was assigned to represent the country of Yemen.

"For these students to make it to New York City, to be caught up in the awe of the city lights and famous landmarks, to remain focused and determined, to carry out their dream, makes me feel unbelievably happy and emotional," Koska said in the press release. "Everyone at the competition was talking about us."

South Houston High School is located at 3820 S. Shaver.