The Patricia Leahy fellowshop

Patricia Leahy was a Model UN Advisor and Social Studies teacher at Hinsdale South High School. For her entire career, she believed that—in a world that was increasingly interconnected– intercultural understanding and critical inquiry were key ingredients for her students’ ultimate success in that world.   In her honor, the family of Patricia Leahy very generously bestows an annual award to recognize a CIMUN Advisor* who demonstrates an exemplary dedication and willingness to lead Model UN programs for high school students that empower them as global citizens.   

  • This educator:

    1. generously shares experience and expertise in encouraging and supporting   students as they engage in thoughtful deliberation, understanding multiple perspectives, developing well-informed arguments, and exploration of current world issues and the nuances of international diplomacy. 

    2. efficiently and enthusiastically manages the Model UN program by encouraging diverse student representation, managing logistical details for conferences and Model UN activities, creating a culture of respect and trust with students, and positively intersecting with the school community.

    (*Candidate must have served as a CIMUN Faculty Advisor for at least two years, and cannot be from the same school of a PLF recipient from the past two years.  Prior recipients may not be nominated again.) 

    • Cash award of $5,000 

    • Recipient will submit statement of compliance with district policy regarding gifts and awards

    • Recognition at the opening banquet of CIMUN

    • You can access the application form here (where the written evidence will be pasted in.) The process may be initiated by the candidate, a professional colleague of the candidate or a student who is a member of Model UN. 

    • The application requires responses to the provided questions by  (1) the candidate (2) the professional colleague (3) the student.

    • One of these people (candidate, colleague, student) should take responsibility for collecting all responses, proofreading responses, and pasting into the application form. Please do not submit separate documents. 

    • The application form must be submitted by Friday, November 13. 

    • All nominations will be reviewed by the Patricia Leahy Fellowship Committee, and the Committee will submit their decision to the IDEA BOD by November 30.

    • The recipient will be introduced by the IDEA BOD President at the CIMUN opening banquet.

    • Applications must be submitted by Friday, November 13. 

    • The Patricia Leahy Fellowship Committee will evaluate each application, by assessing evidence of the two criteria (listed above) as strong, present,  limited, or no evidence.

    • The Committee will determine the strongest candidate based on individual evaluations and subsequent discussion.

Register Today