Pacific Ridge students awarded at Model U.N. conference

Pacific Ridge School students — including some from Rancho Santa Fe and Carmel Valley — traveled to New York City on Jan. 11 to participate in the Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition at Columbia University.

Students participated in fast-paced crisis committees to practice their reaction skills and to gain experience solving real world problems in international affairs. The prestigious conference offers a diverse blend of committees from different historical periods and regions of the world.

Multiple students received awards, including Rancho Santa Fe resident and senior Michael Rattner, who earned an honorable mention for his committee. Three Carmel Valley residents were also honored. Pacific Ridge seniors Jake Smith and Chris Abdul-Samad received verbal commendations. Pacific Ridge sophomore Mary Fangman was honored as an outstanding delegate.

For more information about Pacific Ridge School, visit www.pacificridge.org.