NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Colleen O’Reilly, the long-time social studies teacher at Albert Leonard Middle School, is among a handful of Model United Nations (MUN) Educators of the Year. She runs the only middle school MUN program in Westchester County.
The award is given by Best Delegate, an organization that works with school districts, nonprofits, governments and education companies to help schools build Model United Nations programs. Since 2010, its training and resources have helped more than 3 million people learn about Model United Nations.
In April, O’Reilly led 18 ALMS MUN club members to a two-day conference in Canada where the students competed against high school students. 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.
They won four awards, including two best position paper prizes. Tyler Manley, club vice-president and third year member, received the highest honor, the Best Delegate gavel.
“Colleen O’Reilly is the most amazing MUN educator because she works so hard, and she deserves the world,” said Carly Rieger, president of the ALMS MUN team. “She has taught me so much about leadership and public speaking. I have led club meetings, taught lessons to my classmates to prepare for conferences, and I have led activities for the club.”