A WINNING COMBINATION
On the big day, students presented their ideas to three
judges: James King, director of the Office for Social
Concerns for the New Jersey Catholic Conference; Pam
Lynch, Director of Community Services at the Danaher
Lunch Family Foundation; and Gina Vinch, Development
Director at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School.
Three Holy Trinity teams took top honors, but students
and teachers say they all gained valuable experience.
They’re eager to use their newfound knowledge in a
similar program next year.
Sixth grader Dakota Poland says she feels more like a
leader. Sixth grader Kalianne Zadnik now has friends in
other grades. And sixth grader Erin Huber realized she
enjoys solving real-life problems, like a real member
of the UN.
“The students gained an abundance of skills through
this experience,” says Vice Principal Jeffrey McCusker,
“including knowledge about the UN, critical thinking,
creativity, collaboration, and oral speaking skills. Most
importantly, they gained self-confidence by stepping out
of their comfort zone and trying something new.”
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HOLY TRINITY’S TOP THREE
Judges chose the following student submissions
as the winners of the school’s Sustainable
Development Goals challenge.
1. LIFE BELOW WATER
Start a nonprofit organization focused on cleaning
up oceans, preventing overfishing, and providing
educational outreach.
2. INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
Fund existing organizations such as the Peace Corps
and Ten Thousand Villages to build infrastructures and
provide education on using resources effectively.
3. ZERO HUNGER
Support organizations working to end the plight of
hunger, and educate people on new farming techniques.