Reflections on our Montessori Model United Nations Trip

What a Month!
           
I have had a difficult time sitting down and writing about the Montessori Model UN trip, because I’ve been filled with pride and joy and haven’t actually landed yet from the emotional high I received from the experience!  What a special group of students we have in the Upper Elementary classroom and what great guidance and nurturance from Mr. Sesame and Ms. Julia.  This was a transformational trip, one that will touch the lives of those who attended for a lifetime.  Our students showed leadership, courage, confidence, conviction, kindness, openness and generosity.  They served their committees and their fellow delegates to the best of their ability and made us all very proud.  I was as proud of them outside of the committee rooms as I was inside.  They were well-behaved, considerate individuals, who enjoyed their experiences and supported their immediate and expanding community. 
 

I look forward to sharing more of their story with you as we honor their work at the Students for World Peace Day and a separate night for them to share their experiences, challenges, rewards and transformations with you.  Also keep an eye out for their article in the Sunday Sun Sentinel paper in April.
 

If their MMUN trip wasn’t enough, when they arrived back at school the next day, the Lower Elementary classes honored them with a beautiful “Welcome Home” banner and a delicious lunch, complete with homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Thanks to Ms. Angela and all of the Lower Elementary staff and students, who made their return so special.
 

We had the distinct pleasure of a visit by Judith Cunningham and her husband just this past week.  Judith is the creator and Executive Director of the MMUN and her husband Michael, who works closely with the UN and recently organized an awards ceremony to honor those organizations working towards completing the Millennium Developmental Goals, complete with a stunning segment by Desmond Tutu.  Our wonderful Upper Elementary class performed a Japanese Tea Ceremony to honor Judith, Michael and myself.  It was the most respectful and peaceful honoring that I had ever experienced.  Judith and Michael were blown away by the children’s attention to detail, their integrity and their peacefulness.  We are so blessed by this class and they are great role models for us all.  There is a renewed sense of hope when you experience the reality of our students- hope that the future will be brighter and the world will find peace and social justice with each passing day.
 

Gratefully yours,
Dr. Susan

p.s. See our Sun-Sentinel article on the front page of the Community Sunday section.

Posted on Summit Community Service Events's Bulletin Board