Waves of refugees fleeing for their lives are washing up on foreign shores.

Islamic extremists have seized control of NATO’s computers and posted links to the organization’s confidential information on the Internet.

These are among the simulated world problems that 26 Hampton Roads high school students — including five from King’s Fork High School — spent Wednesday debating as participants in the 2016 Model NATO Challenge at Virginia Wesleyan College. Each of 26 students is a student diplomat representing one of the alliance’s 26 member countries at the North Atlantic Council, the highest decision-making body in NATO.

For the past six weeks, the students have worked with military advisors from their assigned countries, learning about the people, politics, military and culture of the countries, said UK Royal Navy Lt. Commander Dave Jones, the event’s NATO spokesman. Students met with their mentors at least three times, although many stayed in touch more via phone and email, he said.

The students who participated from Suffolk include Sydney Morgan, who served as student diplomat from Hungary; Rikia Freeman, representing Croatia; Alana Tillery, representing Estonia; Bailey Cupp, representing the United States; and Dayshia Wiggins, representing Slovenia. They all attend King’s Fork, which hosts the school district’s International Baccalaureate Program.

The Suffolk students say the program has helped them gain a new perspective of global problems and better appreciate the art of consensus-building among the 26 member nations.

“Even if something is hugely beneficial for a few nations, you have to weigh the consequences of your actions,” said Wiggins, a senior, who said her biggest research hiccup was some of her country’s policies could not be found in English.

“You have to consider NATO policies … and how neighboring countries will be affected by the decision.”

Freeman, a junior, said the experience has made her more open-minded and open to reasoning. For example, when she sees a global crisis that appears to be addressed, she will not be as quick to react.

“I realize there are more moving parts that you don’t always see,” Freeman said.

Participating has made Tillery more aware of the importance of world news.

“It’s made me realize the importance of knowing what is happening in the world,” she said.

The top six finalists of the Model NATO Challenge will win scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 and will be announced within the next two weeks, Jones said. The first place winner will also win at trip to the International Student Leadership Conference hosted by Operation Smile at San Diego State University July 18-25.