Standout Spartans: Model UN Students Excel at Conference

Twenty Middle and Upper School students represented Steward at the Governor’s School Model United Nations Conference (GSMUN) on March 22-23. In Model UN, students represent countries or individuals to debate contemporary or historical issues in committees of various sizes. They conduct preparatory research and work with delegates from other schools to craft solutions to long-term challenges and immediate crises. This year, they discussed topics as wide-ranging as bringing education to children in underdeveloped nations, 19th-century Chinese piracy, how to effectively fight emus in Australia, and whether the NFL should extend the playing season.

Eight Steward delegates were recognized with awards for their work during the conference. Nora Iwashyna '27, representing the United Kingdom in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and Emerson Iwashyna '25, representing Richard Sherman in the NFL Executive Committee, earned Verbal Commendations.

Five students were recognized as Outstanding Delegates in their committees: Madelyn Griffin ’30 and Lilly Kersey ’30 representing the United States in the World Summit for Children, Juliet Forlano ’28 as the President of Chile in the Chilean Constitutional Convention, Nadine Odibo ’26 as Tod Leiweke in the NFL Executive Committee, and Claire Heaton ’24 as the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria in the Historical Joint Crisis: Nigeria.

Emma Herzog ’24 capped off her outstanding high school Model UN career by earning the gavel as Best Delegate in her committee, representing Wole Soyinka in the Historical Joint Crisis: Biafra. Upper School Social Studies Teachers Sarah Dwelle and Trevor Smith serve as faculty advisors for Steward’s Model UN students.

We are proud of all our Steward delegates for their hard work and diplomacy, and we look forward to building on their successes next year!