SALEM, Mass. -Americans should never try to control the world but, according to one high school student from Danvers, "there are times when this country has to step in and change things. Such is the case in Iraq where it was the Iraqi people who welcomed our invasion."

The student's argument came in support of a question presented at the annual Salem State College High School History Conference where teams from 10 area high schools descended on the Sullivan Building Wednesday, May 14 to debate current events.

" With all that is going on in the world today, the study of history is more applicable than ever," history professor Emerson Baker said during an early-morning ceremony that launched the debates. "History can help put things into perspective and give us a better understanding of what is happening today," added Dr. Charles Ames, a history professor and coordinator of the event.

Over 100 students from Pentucket, Salem, Danvers, Rockport, Saugus, Swampscott, Lynnfield, Georgetown, Ipswich and Lynn Classical high schools took part in the day-long event which took place in five rooms in the Sullivan Building. Teams were asked to formulate an argument for or against a topical question in the participant's booklet. They then presented their arguments under the scrutiny of evaluator groups.

" Students are put into a situation where they have to think and rationalize together," said Ames. "It also gives them a chance to get a feel for this college and some of its offerings. Some of the students wind up applying for admission into Salem State."