Two local students earn trip to United Nations

 

[February 23, 2016]  LINCOLN - The Lincoln Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges #204 recently selected delegates to go on the Pilgrimage to the United Nations for Youth this summer in New York.

Those chosen are Lincoln Community High School students Brianna Elizabeth Lanning, daughter of Dawn and Gordon Lanning of Lincoln and Graham Alexander Hill, son of Laurin and Sheri Hill of Lincoln.

This unique educational program was established by The Sovereign Grand Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1949 when the United Nations was just a four-year-old “toddler.” Annually the UN Pilgrimage brings together high school students from around the world to study and learn about the United Nations.

For young adults interested in world affairs, international relations, economics and/or political sciences this is an opportunity of a life­time to observe the United Nations in person while exchanging views on education, politics, and religion.

Students tour the United Nations building and listen to behind-the-scenes briefings conducted by specialized United Nations agencies and departments including Ambassadors, the Minister Counselors and Country Representatives.

Each student (delegate) will participate in in-depth discussions with other young people from around the world as well as make new and lifelong friends.

While in New York Brianna and Graham will be assigned topics for speeches they will give competitively during the week. The winners the speech contest will receive a $1,000 scholarship, and the runner-up will receive a $500 scholarship.

In addition, the students will have an opportunity to experience one of the greatest cities in the world: New York. Included in the trip will be a Broadway play; visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and much more.

In the years since it was established, over 45,000 young people have participated in the UN Pilgrimage. Growing in popularity, the Odd Fellows' and Rebekah's UN program has been garnering growing public attention in the United States, Canada and abroad.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the Advisory List of National Contests and Activities.

Students should contact their local Odd Fellows or Rebekah Lodge or Odd Fellows Grand Lodge office at 217-735-2561 if interested in participating in this program.

[Janis Klockenga, Oddfellows]