Welcome to the 23rd
Lincoln Model United Nations!
This LMUN 2019 is a special one. Not only is it going to be an immensely successful conference where we know all our delegates will give their best effort, there's another special reason. Some of you may be aware of the fact that in 2018, the LMUN program lost two very important members. Jeanie Ayub was the founder of the Model United Nations program at Costa Rica. Mrs. Ayub led the LMUN program and helped turn it into what it is today. Salvatore Traversone was a student at Lincoln School from the generation 2020 who was a very active member in the MUN community and who was going to be chairing the Security Council for LMUN 2019. As a way to honor them, we ask all of you to keep them in mind during the LMUN 2019 weekend and do your best effort, if not for you, for them.
Mrs. Jeanie Ayub
It was Mrs. Jeanie Ayub who first started the Model United Nations program in both Lincoln School and in Costa Rica. In 1997, she and a group of students organized and hosted the first Lincoln Model UN, which was also the first MUN conference to be held in the country. And so began this program that has continued to grow over the past two decades. Today there are at least 10 different Model UN conferences held regularly every year, attended by students from at least 30 public and private schools, and often by students from outside of Costa Rica as well. And the program continues to grow!
Mrs. Ayub believed strongly in the Model UN program and all it represents. Diplomacy, the art of successful negotiation and consensus- building are increasingly important means of conflict-resolution and problem-solving in today’s world, and the Model UN provides students an important opportunity to develop these leadership skills.
Mrs. Ayub has inspired generations of Lincoln students in the Model UN program and in her History and International Relations classes throughout her more than 30 years at our school. Sadly, she passed away last August 2018, but she leaves behind a strong legacy both in our Lincoln Model UN and the MUN program throughout Costa Rica.
SALVATORE TRAVERSONE
Salva was a very close friend of mine who was probably one of the most committed people out there to the LMUN program. In fact, I still remember him running up the ramp to the third floor to sign up for positions the second they gave them to us. He was a very recognizable person; If not for his debate skills, for his eccentric outfits. And in most cases, for both. He was incredibly well known and had a way with words that would hold you captivated. I had the privilege of being with him in multiple committees and working together (and against him) to reach diplomatic solutions. Salva was an incredibly passionate delegate who genuinely gave his one hundred percent at every single MUN conference he went to. He was going to be the chair of the LMUN 2019 Security Council, which is why we chose to not have a SC as a way to honor him. I would like to personally encourage every single one of you out there to do your best. If it's your first MUN, if it's your last, if you feel like you're not prepared enough, if you feel like you're ready to win an award --throw yourself out there and speak because you never know what might happen. And I know for certain that Salva would've wanted you to do your absolute best. So for him, please do so. Make him proud.
Megan Torres
