Ocean Lakes hosted the European Union (EU) Debate Simulation with 54 students representing various members of the EU Council. 

Within Virginia Beach City Public Schools, three high schools participated on March 27, 2025: Ocean Lakes, Tallwood and First Colonial. This is the second year of the program in Hampton Roads, having been a pilot program organized by Virginia Tech (VT) last year. 

The debate consists of two discussions surrounding pertinent topics in today’s world. This year, the topics were climate change and EU trade relations with China. Although it can be compared to Model UN, and many Model UN students participated, the EU Debate Simulation is more of a lesson in collaboration and negotiation than the competition that many Model UN conferences entail. 

“Each pair will prepare an opening statement on behalf of their country that will be read in the morning,” Model UN sponsor Lisa Gibson said. “Then, the 27 EU countries will debate two topics and try to build consensus to pass a resolution.”

This year, the Maltese ambassador to the United States, Godfrey Xuereb, gave opening remarks at the event through video call.

Outstanding Delegate prizes were awarded to two students: juniors Ami Badiye, representing Sweden, and Amelia Montgomery, representing Luxembourg. The Presidential Leadership award was given to sophomore Mahi Sakharpe for her participation as the President of the EU Council.

The EU simulation was originally created at the VT campus in Blacksburg, but due to the prominence of the Global Studies and World Languages Academy in Virginia Beach, the program was brought to Hampton Roads last year. 

“It was a great experience to learn how to debate and participate in politics,” sophomore Esther Gammill said.