After qualifying for the final round of competition in the National History Day in California 2015, students surround Middle School History teacher Mary Ong-Dean. Pictured left to right: Gabriel Jinich, Nicolas del Rio and Neusha Kharrati, Class of 2020.
A TEAM EFFORT Clearly, Parker’s History Day competitors are successful due to teamwork, parental support and above all, exceptional teachers. Sarah, now a freshman at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, explains: “Before I went to Parker, I didn’t really like history all that much. But I came here and had some great history teachers, some amazing instructors who brought history alive and made it more than just reading about a bunch of dead people.” Redelings shares the praise for her faculty colleagues. “We have teachers who are scholars of ancient history, American law, international relations, world religions, the American Civil War, Latin American revolutions, the Second World War, philosophy, etc. Not only are the teachers vitally interested in these fields, they are happy to discuss them with students. “If you walk by a social studies classroom in the Middle or Upper School, you will invariably find students spending their free periods or after-school time there, discussing issues with teachers and other students.” It all comes together with the History Day Competition. “This is a very competitive national program that Parker students have taken part and done well in for years, thanks to the volunteer efforts of Parker parents 16
and the incredible work of Mary Ong-Dean and Cherie Redelings,” said Marilyn Tobin, a Parker parent who also serves as chief financial officer for the Foundation for National History Day, San Diego County. “Parents support it because we see how successful it is, how much our kids are learning from it, and the many opportunities it affords.” ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON In June 2015, Parker wrapped up yet another successful competition season. Judged by historians and educators against the work of students nationwide, half of the Parker entries were recognized as division finalists in their respective categories. Isaac has a ready answer when asked what it takes for a team to succeed. “Start early, meet frequently,” he said. Expect more of the same this year. The theme: “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.” Students have been meeting since summer. Neusha Kharrati is more than ready. “I’ll be doing History Day every year until I graduate,” said the Grade 8 student, who was Junior Division Finalist at nationals last year—her first foray into the competition. “I really like history. It fascinates me. I’m really excited about this year.”