H-ton Historians Take Aim at LI Regional Contest

The top place finishers in a variety of categories in this week’s National History Day competition at Huntington High School have immediately taken aim at the Long Island regional finals at Hofstra University on Sunday.

The top two finishers at Hofstra will advance to the State History Day championships on Sunday, April 14 at SUNY Oneonta.

“Once again, I am so proud of all of participants in this year’s National History Day competition,” said social studies Lauren Desiderio, who coordinates the initiative in Huntington UFSD. “This competition, now in its 50th year, and 26th at Huntington High School, is not merely a contest; it is an opportunity for students to discover untold stories, events or highlight individuals. Participating in the National History Day competition pushes our students to further develop their research abilities and provides an opportunity to develop crucial skills that will serve our students well in their future academic pursuits. National History Day has the ability to instill a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation for the richness of our shared past. It also helps empower our students to become informed and engaged citizens. I commend all of our students who embraced the challenge that National History Day presents and wish our students who will be competing in the Long Island regional competition the best of luck!”

Approximately 400 students participated in this year’s local contest with students across grades 6-12 submitting projects, which were judged by faculty members.

“This year, our students immersed themselves in the topics of their choice and crafted incredible final projects,” Ms. Desiderio said. “Every year, I am continually surprised to come across a historical topic that I do not have previous knowledge of. This particular year it was two individual exhibits! One project was done on Kate Sheppard and the other was on the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. Kate Sheppard played an integral role in helping women gain the right to vote in New Zealand in 1893. This was 27 years earlier than the United States. I really enjoyed learning about both of these projects. I love to have the opportunity of utilizing the work of our students in my classroom. This year alone I have already shared student websites on Harold Gillies and The Spanish Flu with their peers as we studied the effects of World War I and its impact worldwide.”

The national theme of this year’s National History Day program is “Turning Points in History.” This theme must be incorporated into all aspects of every project.

“National History Day also provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity and innovation,” Mrs. Desiderio said. “I loved that one student group created a 3D printed model of one of the most significant warplanes to be made by local company, the Grumman Corporation. What was even more surprising to me was to learn that founder, Leroy Grumman, was a 1911 Huntington High School graduate and salutatorian. Documentaries on the impact of White Castle and Crayola Crayons also stood at to me as two very creative takes on this year’s theme: Turning Points in History.”

The top honorees in each category at the state championship in April will advance to the national finals on June 9-13 at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The History Day club assists Ms. Desiderio in coordinating the high school awards ceremony and mentors participants in the initiative. The club’s executive board consists of Samantha Koepele (president), Jack Ruthkowski (vice president), Kaylee Splendorio (co-corresponding secretary), Brooke Parks (co-corresponding secretary), Mary Marinello (treasurer), Olivia Polinsky (public relations) and Lily Tierney (historian).

“I am very grateful to my graduating officers who for the last two years have dedicated a significant amount of time to mentoring our students and sharing their passion for history,” Mrs. Desiderio said.  “I look forward to collaborating with a new group of officers next year as the National History Day club continues to thrive.”