Xavier Students Take First Place at CT History Day

Four Xavier High School students placed first in Connecticut History Day's group website category. Sophomore Mario Chris, and Juniors Rowan Lucey, Miraj Rahematpura and Sharif Eldirany were among 345 students statewide who participated in Connecticut History Day April 30 at Classical Magnet High School and the Connecticut Historical Society. 

Their winning entry was the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.

State competitors were identified from a pool of contestants at five regional contests throughout the state.  First- and second-place winners at the state competition will advance to the National History Day contest, June 15-19 at the University of Maryland at College Park. 

Students were awarded one of the 11 donor-sponsored special awards, including the Outstanding Entry in Connecticut History and the Outstanding Entry Related to Civics, Government or Citizenship. A few of the student projects will be featured in the fall issue of the magazine Connecticut Explored.

The state competition involved students in grades 6- 12, with separate categories for the Junior Division (grades 6-8) and Senior Division (grades 9-12). In each division, there are nine contest categories which provide for individual and group projects in formats ranging from traditional written papers to dramatic performances, documentaries and exhibits.

A diverse range of entries marked this year’s state contest, including a performance on Amelia Earhart, an exhibit highlighting the 1970s UK Punk Movement, and a website exploring Brown vs. the Board of Education. Students from across the state brought a wide range of additional topics to the competition. Many of the student projects will be on display at Connecticut’s Old State House from June 11 until the end of August. 

View their winning website at http://40487190.nhd.weebly.com