Abington Friends School was named the 2016 Outstanding School in the Senior Division in a two-day, statewide National History Day competition that concluded May 11 at Millersville University.
Our students brought home a handsome plaque and the knowledge that their team had risen to the top of the state contest, in just the second year of the NHD Club’s existence at AFS.
More than 50 high schools from across the state had students competing, according to Rhonda Newton, NHD in Pa. assistant coordinator. The Outstanding School is determined by awarding points for first-, second- and third-place winners, she said.
“I’m thrilled with the individual awards and I can’t wait for the national competition in June,” said senior Eli Russell, who was awarded a first place prize, “but I think I’m most proud of the Outstanding School award, especially when I consider that AFS did not have a National History Day program two years ago.
“I cannot express enough gratitude for the support that I have received from [Teacher] Margaret Guerra, the AFS History Department, and the entire AFS community.”
Margaret, who accompanied the students to Millersville, said, “any recognition of the team’s success should mention Director of Libraries Toni Vahlsing, who supports all the research all year long, and the parents of students in the club, who are our biggest fans and supporters. At least 10 parents came to States with us.”
The theme of this year’s competition was “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.” Here is how the AFS students fared:
Senior Eli Russell, first place in the senior individual performance category, for his portrayal of a guide leading a tour of the 1876 Centennial in Philadelphia.
Sophomores Kaiya Case and Leila El-Dada, first place in the senior group exhibit category, for their exhibit explaining the Pop Art movement.
Junior Jayne Pardys, second place in the senior individual documentary category, for her film that focuses on the role of the Germantown Jewish Centre in facilitating racial integration in West Mount Airy.
Eighth grader Joseph Rotella’s website on impressionism in art, entered in the junior individual category, ranked fifth best in the state. Other team members who competed were: sophomore Drew Jacobson, with a performance about former Argentine First Lady Eva Peron, and freshmen Sirui Chen and Celine Demir, who created a website on the life of educator and suffragist Frances Willard.
Now, it’s on to the national competition, to be held from June 12-16 at the University of Maryland in College Park, where the top two entries in each category are invited to compete.