WB News: WBMSHS students share their knowledge of influential leaders during National History Day competition: From Princess Diana, Coco Chanel, and the Screen Actors Guild to the Black Panthers, Rosa Parks, and Walt Disney student passion for the many facets of history was evident at the National History Day local competition. This year’s theme was Leadership and Legacy, and students could opt for individual or group projects spanning exhibits, papers, web sites, documentaries, or performances to showcase their chosen history topics. “It’s a great opportunity for the kids to dive into a topic of their interest that relates to a theme in history, whether it’s a politician or famous athlete,” said Bodwell, “and it’s great to see them shine.” Eighth, ninth, and tenth graders delved into projects on Walt Disney, John Glenn, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Joseph Stalin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates, among others. ”This is a wonderful opportunity for students to apply and to refine their research and creative skills on their choice of subject,” said History Department Chair John Nenopoulos. Sophomores Matthew Gillis, Nina Petti, Kerryn McCarthy, and Jessica Cockcroft joined forces to explore all-things Walt Disney. Cockcroft was surprised to learn from a documentary that Walt Disney may have had help designing his legendary Mickey Mouse. “Apparently Disney didn’t draw Mickey Mouse alone,” said Cockcroft, “though he gave him his soul and character and voice.” “I was excited to learn everything because I love Disney!” said McCarthy. Classmate Colleen Daly was inspired by the charity of Helen Keller. “Helen Keller was poor for most of her life but appealed to her rich friends to raise money for different foundations for the blind and other causes,” said Daly. Sophomore Kyle Foley selected Bill Gates not only for technology leadership but influence through the generosity of his worldwide foundation. “With the Xbox 360, you can connect with anybody around the world,” said Foley; “you can text and play games.” Foley was impressed that the Gates Foundation has helped eradicate diseases in third-world countries, bringing the mortality rate of children under the age five down from 25% in 1960 down to 5% today. “He has donated $18 billion so far,” said Foley. Sophomore Katrina Polcari was inspired by the use of quilting patterns and cryptic songs and the role they played in helping slaves escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Polcari made miniature sample quilt squares out of felt to show the different patterns and what they signified for slaves trying to gain their freedom. “The bowtie pattern meant to wear nice clothes so up north no one would notice they were slaves, like a disguise,” said Polcari. She added that the bear pattern told slaves to follow the bear trail as their escape route, and the monkey wrench pattern warned slaves to prepare themselves and get ready for the journey. “The drunkard’s path pattern meant don’t walk in a straight line so the slaves weren’t followed,” said Polcari, “and Harriet Tubman sang songs which indicated it was safe to come out.” She added that another song called ‘Steal Away’ let others know that more slaves wanted to join the escape.” Freshman Jaysem Alkhalidy was passionate learning about astronaut John Glenn. “I learned he graduated from Harvard and from the NASA Academy and I didn’t know he was in WWII in the Navy and flew 59 combat missions in 1942,” said Alkhalidy. He was surprised to learn that people don’t come from space with any visible aging signs. “You don’t age in space because there is no gravity and no atmosphere,” said Alkhalidy; “it’s the oxygen that ages your skin.” “My favorite thing I learned is John Glenn got to use the Friendship 7 rocket which orbited around the earth at 17,500 miles per hour,” said Alkhalidy, “so basically he had a real blast up there.” Judging took place midday Wednesday and the evening featured an open house for parents and other community members to view the exhibits of historical movers and shakers. Winners will proceed to the regional competition next month.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 19:23:13 +0000