On Saturday, March 29, the Ursuline School’s Model UN (MUN) team capped off an exceptional season with a stellar performance at the annual Stuyvesant Model UN Conference (StuyMUNC), hosted at Stuyvesant High School in New York City. This conference, known for its engaging and diverse range of topics, welcomed over 350 students from the tri-state area to engage in thought-provoking debates. Ursuline’s team of ten delegates made their mark, earning recognition across multiple categories for their impressive efforts and strong diplomatic skills.

StuyMUNC is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, and the Ursuline team has always found it a favorite on the MUN circuit. Stuyvesant’s team is known for being incredibly friendly and putting together an exceptionally well-run conference, featuring a variety of compelling committees. The topics covered during the conference ranged from current global issues to historical scenarios and even fantasy-themed committees. Issues such as the ethical treatment of animals, creating accessible healthcare for people with disabilities, and the post-World War II European reconstruction were discussed in depth. In addition to these real-world challenges, students debated in fantasy-themed committees, such as "Plants vs. Zombies," which sparked creative and humorous discussions.

For the Ursuline team, the conference was nothing short of a triumph. In a remarkable showing, several delegates earned top honors, with standout performances across the board. Anusha Vaish ‘28 earned an Honorable Mention for representing Taiwan in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee. Chloe Stineman ‘28  was recognized as an Outstanding Delegate for her creative portrayal of a Balloon Zombie in the Plants vs. Zombies Joint Crisis Committee. At the same time, Justine Dolan ‘26 also received Outstanding Delegate honors for her role as Sunflower in the same committee. Theresa Montana ‘25 earned the Best Delegate award for her impressive dual portrayal of Daniel Burnham and Harry Houdini in the 1893 World’s Fair Ad Hoc Committee.

In an extraordinary achievement, the Ursuline team also received the prestigious Outstanding Delegation award. This honor, given to the top two teams at the conference, is based on the accumulated points earned by delegates in their committees. The recognition is especially significant considering that Ursuline’s delegation was one of the smallest at the conference, with only ten delegates—demonstrating the quality and effectiveness of their participation.

The StuyMUNC conference marked the final conference of the season for four graduating seniors who have been central to the team’s success over the years. Katie Miller and Theresa Montana, the team’s Secretaries General, alongside Silvia Cuono and Madalynn Tuttle, were all celebrated for their years of leadership and dedication to the team. Their mentorship and guidance have been crucial in cultivating new talent and ensuring the team's continued success. Miller, who has participated in all seven TUSMUNC conferences since middle school, has been an enduring force in the team’s development.

These young women have been an absolute joy to work with, and their leadership, dedication, and passion will be missed.”
- Mrs. Stephanie Doherty, social studies teacher and MUN moderator

MUN moderator Mrs. Stephanie Doherty expressed heartfelt gratitude to seniors Theresa Montana, Katie Miller, Silvia Cuono, Audrey Warren, Katherine Barrio, and Madalynn Tuttle for their dedication and leadership. "They have been so integral to the success of the team and have set a fine example for our younger members,” says Doherty. “These young women have been an absolute joy to work with, and their leadership, dedication, and passion will be missed.”

Looking to the future, the Ursuline MUN team is in capable hands, with Justine Dolan ‘26 and Mary Claire Sutterlin ‘26 stepping into the roles of Secretaries General for the upcoming season. They will be supported by newly elected Undersecretaries Stella Caplan ‘28 and Chloe Stineman ‘28, who have already begun preparations for TUSMUNC VIII and the fall conference season.

The MUN season is not only about competition but also about learning, growing, and building leadership skills. As Ursuline’s Model UN team gears up for next year, the spirit of leadership and dedication remains strong. The experiences gained in these conferences are invaluable in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. The Ursuline MUN team’s continued growth and success are a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and passion for global issues.