After their success in March at the Fairfield Regional History Day Contest, seven Wilton High School students participating in two projects advanced to the statewide CT History Day competition at Central Connecticut State University on last Saturday, April 30. Both student groups were recognized at the state competition.
Returning for a second year to the state competition, seniors Isabel Saltzman, Claire Graham, Hana Previte and Lauren White were recognized once again for their inquiry and presentation skills with a second place finish for their Rosie the Riveter: Mobilizing America project, entered in the museum exhibit category. For the second consecutive year, the girls will have the opportunity to compete at the National History Day Competition in June.
In the other group, seniors Patrick Moore, Thomas Anastos, and Hari Nair placed third in the high school documentary film division for their documentary film on the Panama Canal, The Panama Canal: Fifty Miles That Changed the World.
The students were required to select a historical topic and develop a project exemplifying the theme of “Exploration, Encounter and Exchange.” Unlike many other academic competitions, the history students are encouraged to edit and revise their entries based of the judges’ feedback from the Fairfield regional contest. All of the Wilton student projects have been on display at the Wilton Historical Society for the past month.
The WHS History Club is an academic extracurricular activity at the high school that allows students the opportunity to engage with historical inquiry. Several of the students who competed last Saturday and their advisor, Wilton High School social studies teacher, Kenneth Dunaj, founded the club during the 2014-15 school year in order to celebrate their appreciation for social studies beyond the classroom. History club offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. History club is open to all WHS high school students and welcomes new members.
