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Months of preparation for a major national Model UN conference were cut short when a winter storm forced McLean High School’s team to leave Philadelphia early.

The students had traveled to ILMUNC, an annual four-day conference that draws thousands of delegates for simulated committee debates on global issues. Considered one of the season’s most competitive events, it offered the team a chance to test its research, speeches and diplomatic skills on a national stage.

Team members had spent weeks studying their assigned topics, drafting speeches and practicing after school. But as forecasts warned of heavy snow and worsening travel conditions, concerns mounted about whether the group could return home safely.

After reviewing the situation, school administrators ended the trip early and sent a bus to bring the students back to McLean.

The team still earned multiple awards, announced during a ceremony livestreamed Sunday morning. The strong results softened the disappointment but did not replace the experience students had expected.

“It was pretty frustrating,” sophomore Lila Shaw said. “I feel like it would’ve been fun if we could’ve stayed in Philly longer, we were having a really good time.”

Members said the abbreviated trip has motivated them to keep improving. The team is already looking ahead to local conferences at Langley and Thomas Jefferson.

“Even though this conference was cut short I’m really happy that we did well and I’m looking forward to some of the upcoming local conferences,” sophomore Lily Alquabani said.

Despite missing part of ILMUNC, the students returned to McLean encouraged by their awards and determined to build on that performance at upcoming local and national competitions.