Crescent Shines in Model UN Conference Spotlight
The Stonewall Riots. The ethics behind the accessibility and usage of advanced medical technology. Regulating artificial intelligence. These were just a few of the issues that the Crescent delegation tackled at the 1,300-student Secondary Schools’ United Nations Symposium (SSUNS) held by McGill University in Montreal on November 9–12. SSUNS offers a unique platform for youth leaders to discuss, collaborate, and discover innovative solutions to global issues.
Guided by faculty member Geoff Green and with the inspired tutelage of Alicia Hawryluk, Crescent’s delegation of students performed exceptionally. Of the 17 Crescent delegates, we had a number who were singled out for honours at the conference:
- Arqish Minhas ’25 and Andy Song ’25 were given the Sergeant Tommy Prince Award for Diplomacy in the double delegation of the World Health Organization. One of the three top awards in each committee, it is presented to the delegates who demonstrate innovative and creative policy writing as well as an eloquent and persuasive manner of speech.
- Ryan Rana ’25 and Warren Wu ’25 were given two of the three honourable mentions in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Committee. Honourable mentions are awarded to the delegates who display the most promising qualities of a rising diplomat in the making.
- Jackson Ding ’25 was given the Hide Hyodo Shimizu Award for Peacemaking which is presented to the delegate who embodies peacemaking through leadership and civility in diplomatic conduct.
- Iliyan Gangani ’25 was given the Sergeant Tommy Prince Award for Diplomacy in the International Civil Aviation Organization Committee
- Hong Duc Cheng ’24 was given the Viola Desmond Award for Advocacy which is presented to the delegate who embodies perseverance and advocacy. Cheng participated in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 Committee, which sought to determine and create legislation and social mechanisms to better protect the queer community in the context of the historic time.
“Clearly, the varied talents that are required to shine at these conferences have been taught, nurtured and mentored by all of my colleagues,” shared Mr. Green. “Most importantly, we all learned a very important lesson; when in Montreal, never, ever, ask the restaurant to change the channel to the Leafs game when the Habs are playing.”
