NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Eighteen members of the Albert Leonard Model UN Club participated in a two-day conference in Canada, winning four awards that boosted their confidence because they competed against high school students.
The conference took place last month at Shawnigan Lake School in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The students participated in various committees that discussed topics such as illicit arms trade, the future of the European Union and a historical committee on the Berlin Conference. The students were accompanied by their advisers, Aysha Williams and Colleen O’Reilly, and math teacher Justin Jose.
Though the middle schoolers were initially intimidated by the high school students, they soon realized they were prepared and competitive.
Zoe Wilson, a first-year member, received a Best Position Paper award in her committee. Harry Pekats also won a Best Position Paper award, his third in his three years in the club. In Security Council, an intermediate-advanced committee, two students stood out even though they were the youngest in the room. Carly Rieger, club president and a third-year member, received an Honorable Mention. Tyler Manley, club vice-president and third year member, received the highest honor, the Best Delegate gavel.
After the conference, the students spent five days sightseeing in Vancouver and Seattle. While in Seattle, the students could not ignore the homeless that seemed to be everywhere. They worked together to give multiple breakfast-on-the-go bags to the homeless in the city.