THE BLUE AND WHITE

Over the past long weekend, from November 7th to 10th, 20 UCC students traveled to Montreal by the VIA Rail to compete at the Secondary Schools United Nations Symposium (SSUNS). SSUNS is a Model UN conference organized by McGill, hosting over a thousand students from all around the world. 

In the months leading up to the conference, a very competitive tryout was conducted to fill up the final spots of the team. Of the over 60 students that participated, only 2 new participants were invited to join. Through weekly training sessions led by club heads Costas Oreopoulus and Alex Woolsey, and the year 12 veterans, the lads were thoroughly prepared. 

However, students this year worked harder than ever before since there was a chip on their shoulders. Last year, UCC lost the 10 year streak of winning the Best Large Delegation Award, presented to the school/institution with the best award ratio. Surprisingly, they didn’t even win second place, as both awards were snagged up by Californian schools Huntington Beach and Mira Costa respectively. 

According to Woolsey, “It was truly disappointing. Let’s just say the train ride back to Toronto wasn’t so pretty.” 

Fortunately, this year UCC emerged victorious, with 17 members receiving individual awards in their committees, ultimately allowing UCC to take back the throne. In a call with former UCC MUN Secretary General and longtime vet, Eugenio Ciarlandini, “We really did it. Despite the setbacks, and the fact that those Californians take Model UN as a class, they still couldn’t beat us. Give me that crown.” 

At the conference, 3 days of spirited debate concluded with a team dinner with the year 12s—taking turns rejoicing their favorite memories in the past years with the team. It was a truly heartwarming moment. 

Last but not least, all could not be possible without the best faculty advisors Dr. Maloney and Mr. Perry Lai giving guidance and advice throughout the conference—including taking photos! 

Until next time, readers.