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Solve global issues, battle zombies, win awards

Solve global issues, battle zombies, win awards

by Shannon Dufresne
 

It’s been a banner year for The Ursuline School’s Model UN team—a club where global challenges meet student leadership and a passion for diplomacy comes to life. Under the dedicated guidance of moderator Mrs. Stephanie Doherty, social studies teacher and MUN mentor extraordinaire, Ursuline’s MUNers have taken on the world—literally.

What is Model UN?
For those unfamiliar, Model UN (MUN) is a simulation of the United Nations, from the General Assembly to dealing with a multitude of crises and fantasy topics where students step into the roles of international delegates or figures to research, debate, and resolve current global issues. At Ursuline, MUN members participate in international conferences, collaborate on real-world problem-solving, and even host their own conference, TUSMUNC, each fall.


TUSMUNC VII: Empowering Young Leaders
In November 2024, Ursuline proudly hosted its 7th annual TUSMUNC conference, welcoming over 175 middle and high school students from across the region. Led by Secretaries-General Katie M ’25 and Theresa M ’25, the day offered something for everyone—from committees tackling real-world events like the SAG-AFTRA/Writers’ Strike to creative scenarios such as post-Endgame Marvel diplomacy and the ever-surprising Ad-Hoc Formula 1 crisis.

This student-led event was both ambitious and inspiring. With a keynote speech by Mr. James Sutterlin P’26 of the United Nations Secretariat, delegates left feeling energized about the real-world power of diplomacy and discourse. Doherty called it “a learning conference” and couldn’t hide her pride: “Such a great group of kids! It’s wonderful to watch as they work together and learn by doing.”


Ursuline delegate and now Undersecretary Chloe S ’28 reflected on the experience, saying, “In joining Model UN, I am so grateful that everyone has been so welcoming and kind to me, and I know many more memories will come.”

I am so grateful that everyone has been so welcoming and kind to me, and I know many more memories will come.”
- Chloe S '28

Making Waves at StuyMUNC
The high point of the season came on March 29, when ten Ursuline delegates traveled to New York City for the prestigious Stuyvesant Model UN Conference (StuyMUNC), competing among 350 students from across the tri-state area. Despite being one of the smallest delegations, Ursuline made an enormous impact.


The team earned Outstanding Delegation—an honor awarded to only two schools—and individual students took home top awards for their creative and strategic performances:

  • Theresa M ’25: Best Delegate for her dual portrayal of Daniel Burnham and Harry Houdini in the 1893 World’s Fair Ad Hoc Committee
     
  • Justine D ’26: Outstanding Delegate as the Sunflower in the imaginative “Plants vs. Zombies” Joint Crisis Committee
     
  • Chloe S ’28: Outstanding Delegate as the Balloon Zombie in the same committee
     
  • Anusha V ’28: Honorable Mention representing Taiwan in the FAO Committee

For Justine D, the year was about more than just awards: “Joining Model UN was a pivotal moment in my Ursuline career. It was where I met my best friends, gained confidence in my public speaking skills, and grew into the person I am today.” 

Joining Model UN was a pivotal moment in my Ursuline career."
- Justine D '26

Doherty points out that Justine’s experience is not unique, adding, “These honors underscore the team’s vitality and its mix of creativity, preparation, and public speaking prowess.”

Celebrating Our Seniors
The StuyMUNC conference also marked the final appearance for several graduating seniors who have left an indelible legacy. Katherine B, Silvia C, Katie M, Theresa M, Madalynn T, and Audrey W played crucial roles in shaping the club’s identity. “These young women have been an absolute joy to work with,” said Mrs. Doherty. “Their leadership, dedication, and passion will be missed.”


Passing the Torch
As the torch passes to new leaders, excitement is building for next year. Rising Secretaries-General Justine D ’26 and Mary Clare S ’26 are ready to take the helm. “Model UN has given me so much leadership experience, which has helped me grow in confidence,” said Mary Clare. “In addition, I’ve made so many friendships through Model UN. My high school experience wouldn’t be the same without it.”

Model UN has given me so much leadership experience, which has helped me grow in confidence.”
- Mary Clare S ’26

Newly appointed Undersecretary Stella C ’28 has also found her voice through MUN: “My involvement in Model UN has helped enhance my public speaking skills, as I’ve always been someone who is nervous to speak in front of a crowd. It also helped me learn to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal.”

My involvement in Model UN has helped enhance my public speaking skills, as I’ve always been someone who is nervous to speak in front of a crowd."
- Stella C '28

And for those wondering what Model UN is really all about, Stella summed it up perfectly: “It’s a great club for learning how to find resolutions when faced with a conflict, through fun and engaging committees.”


Looking Ahead
Next year, the team plans to return to national conferences in cities like Boston and Washington, D.C., and host the 8th annual TUSMUNC conference at home. As Sutterlin shared, “I’m really excited to plan the overnight conferences and meet the new MUN members. Being able to teach them and see them succeed at conferences is extremely rewarding.”

Want to Learn More?
Whether you're curious about international policy or just love a good debate, Model UN is a place where students build confidence, gain leadership skills, and make lasting friendships. As Dolan put it: “You will be able to go to conferences all over New York—and maybe even an overnight trip like Boston or D.C.”

So if you’ve ever imagined yourself making an impact on the world, come find out what it means to be a delegate. Join Ursuline’s Model UN and take your seat at the table. The world is waiting.

 

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