On January 14th and 15th, Maggie Walker’s Model UN team participated in Henrico High School’s Model United Nations Conference, or HIMUNC, and dominated the competition. Despite the fact that this was the first time that Maggie Walker sent a delegation to HIMUNC in three years, the team came away with the prestigious Best Delegation award, given only to the school with the most success at the conference. After hours of research and dedication, Maggie Walker won 19 awards in committee: 7 Best Delegates, 4 Outstanding Delegates, 4 Honorable Mentions, 1 Verbal Commendation, and 3 Nelson Awards for Spirit. 

“Maggie Walker hasn't sent a delegation to HIMUNC since my freshman year in 2019, so it's a different feeling returning,” said Model UN co-president Michael Kish. “I would say that the biggest difference was the enthusiasm of our delegates to be at an in-person conference. We have students in the club who had only ever attended a MUN conference virtually, so seeing them get to experience how much better an in-person conference is was really rewarding.” The team’s accomplishments were also due in part to the training sessions and preparation organized by Kish and co-president Abhay Duggirala. “We provide the fundamentals, and delegates supply the drive to win,” said Duggirala. 

Overall, the experience that all of the delegates gained at HIMUNC will significantly help them carry on Maggie Walker’s Model UN legacy in the future. Of the 19 awards the club received, 15 went to freshmen, sophomore, or junior delegates. “We have some very talented members of the club who will still be a part of it for years to come,” said Kish. “More than anything, this is a testament to the passion of the club and its members for Model UN, which is inspiring to see after the pandemic hurdles we've overcome as an organization.” Currently, the club has its sights set on the annual Governor’s School Model UN Conference, or GSMUN, which Maggie Walker will host on March 25 and 26 to benefit the charity World Central Kitchen. They can’t wait to see their hard work pay off soon!