A Tale of Two Sisters and Model UN

This past November, the LFA Model UN team embarked on their annual trip to PacMUN in Hawaii. What was unique about this year’s visit was the fact that Madeleine Ward ’23, LFA and Model UN alumna, was serving as a PacMUN staff member, specifically as the Chair of the World Health Organization.

To make matters even more exciting, Madeleine’s younger sister Issey Ward ‘28, was part of the group of Model UN students that made the trip this year. So, in a special moment for the LFA Model UN program, two sisters representing two generations of Angels got to share a very meaningful Model UN experience together.

Thinking back on her own Model UN experience at LFA, Madeleine had this to say, “At the time, I was unsuspecting of the opportunities and personal development that would come from my involvement in the club. Being a MUN member taught me how to speak eloquently, navigate parliamentary procedure, act as a leader in novel environments and importantly, understand my role as an ambitious, educated woman in our complex global society.”

Acknowledging the unique opportunity of witnessing her sister take part in the conference, Madeleine said, “It was exciting for me to see her have fun and be recognized with a verbal commendation at her first conference.”

The Model UN program at LFA is one of our most popular extracurriculars. Designed to challenge, push, and inspire our students to understand their role and place in an increasingly globalized world, Model UN can be a truly eye-opening and formative experience for our students. It’s heartening to see alumnae like Madeleine, who were so inspired and empowered by their own Model UN experience, continue to pursue those opportunities and foster the next generation.  

Speaking to the impact the Model UN program at LFA had on her, Madeleine said, “I strongly believe that my MUN experience has equipped me with the leadership skills and empowerment to transform my passions into real, tangible impact. What started as an extracurricular driven by my curiosity and interest in debate became a defining part of both my LFA and McGill experiences.”

At the helm of the Model UN program at LFA, and the reason it is such a well-oiled machine that sees our students go on international trips, garner accolades and recognition, and experience such personal growth, is Mrs. Mills.

Reflecting on Maddie's MUN club involvement, Mrs. Mills said, "I remember Maddie being very conscientious and assertive on committee. I found her very reflective on her committee topics and pressing world issues indicating her desire to fully understand the implications of policy. I am proud to see that her MUN Club involvement has continued with PACMUN and that it also helped shape her post-secondary selection of courses and community involvement".

We are incredibly proud of Maddie and the LFA Model UN Club. We hope that all our students take great inspiration from their accomplishments.