The University of Hawai'i at Hilo Model United Nations team has received the Distinguished Delegation award for the second straight year at the 2008 national Model U.N. competition in New York City.

The team placed in the top 10 percent of the more than 290 universities competing from around the world.

The 21-student delegation from UH-Hilo was coached by Phillip A. Taylor, professor of political science, and represented the Republic of Congo in the competition. The team prepared for 30 contemporary world issues, and contributed to the writing of more than 200 resolutions and reports.