History Day Finalists
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documentary on evolutionist Charles Darwin and an exhibit on aviator Bessie Coleman earned two Gilmour Academy sixth graders a spot at the National History Day finals in College Park, Maryland, June 14-18. Ryan Seibert’s documentary “Charles Darwin: Reluctant Revolutionary” was one of two finalists selected out of 22 from the junior category. Janae Johnson advanced to finals for her exhibit on “Bessie Coleman: Amounting to Something.” Her project was one of 70 individual exhibits in the junior category. The students Ryan Seibert ’15 competed in the National History Day state competition in Columbus in April. Gilmour student Jack Gallagher was named an alternate in the individual documentary area for work on anti-crime activist John Walsh. Ryan Dyke and Tom Negrelli received honorable mention for their group exhibit “Jackie Robinson: Grand Slam for Civil Rights.”
The 2009 participants focused on the theme “The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies” in their documentaries, exhibits, and performances that showcased a historical topic and its significance to society and history. “The theme this year explored individuals who are passionate about a cause and who nudge history forward through their actions,” says Carmel Fantelli, Lower School humanities instructor. “Their fervor and life’s work become a catalyst for events to unfold in history and ignite change.” Eleven other Gilmour students earned the right to compete at the National History Day state competition in Columbus: Sami Ascha and Max Hanson, Les Paul; James Herten and Joseph Young, John Glenn; Melissa Bilitz and Lauren Massaad, Ruby Bridges; Andrew Gallagher, Eugene Odenbrett, and William Velotta, Thomas Edison; and Nia Everett and Megan Porter, Florence Allen.
Janae Johnson ’15
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