Eli Russell ’16 earned third place in the senior individual website category at the annual National History Day contest.

Eli’s website tells the story of artist and activist Paul Robeson. The website came in first place in the Bucks and Montgomery Counties Regional Competition and the Pennsylvania State Competition before placing third in the nation.

Eli says that participating in the National History Day competition every year since being a freshman has made him “intensely proud to be a history nerd.” He’s also been instrumental in encouraging others to take part, leading a National History Day Club and successfully whipping up enthusiasm in the competition.

“It feels incredible to be recognized at such a high level for my work,” says Eli “I’m also excited by the possibility that more people–– especially young people–– will be exposed to Paul Robeson’s story because of my work.”