HMJDS Students Compete at National History Day

Sixth-grade students at the in St. Louis Park competed in the National History Day contest for the first time in school history earlier this month, receiving two honorable mention awards at the regional level competition.

Students chose historical topics related to this year’s theme—"Revolution, Reaction and Reform"—and conducted extensive research. After students analyzed their information and had drawn conclusions on their topic, they created either a website, research paper, exhibit, documentary or performance.

The event was held March 6 at Robbinsdale Middle School.

HMJDS students Hanna Schechter, Taylor Alphabet, Rose Adler Rephan, Ilana Meisler and Maddy Kapel researched the debate of banning and censorship surrounding Mark Twain’s classic  “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and chose to present their information through a performance. The group created two scenes for their performance; the first scene was set in a court room, and the second scene was set as a book talk. The students wrote the entire script, created the settings, and developed their own characters.

In addition, student Numi Katz concentrated research on kidney transplantation surgery, and used an exhibit board to present her information. In her research, Katz discovered that organ donors and the sale of organs on the black market were closely related. Katz realized she had to incorporate these two themes in her project, because they are so closely intertwined with her topic and this year’s theme. 

HMJDS offered the National History Day project as an enrichment opportunity for the sixth grade curriculum on a volunteer basis. Students were expected to complete their regular sixth grade curriculum and also participate in the contest. HMJDS Resource Assistant Bradley Gawronski was the faculty advisor for the project.

Twelve students volunteered for the project, which started with a school competition on Feb. 22. Students presented their information and were interviewed by a judge, who gave the students advice on how to improve their project in advance of the regional competition.

The National History Day contest is a nationwide competition that gives students an opportunity to learn valuable research skills, critical thinking skills and ownership over their work.