History Projects Win Awards at Oregon History Day!

This past weekend, at the Oregon History Day state competition held at Willamette University in Salem, 20 New School students stood among their peers from across the state, presenting well-researched documentaries, dramatic performances, exhibits, and websites on various historical topics. Students presented their work in front of a panel of judges. Ultimately, the students’ months of hard work were rewarded with 5 New School projects receiving a 1st or 2nd place award in their division. Those 5 projects, representing 11 New School students, are now invited to move on to the National History Day finals in Washington DC in June! 

Among the winning projects was the Challenger documentary, produced by Judah Tsypin, Jack Morich, and Beckett Eaton, which earned 1st place in the Documentary category.

Beckett, Judah, Jack's 1st place Documentary!

Bjorn Swanson secured 2nd place with his compelling exploration of the impacts of Chernobyl. Additionally, the dramatic performances of Eleanor Buser, Daisy Jones, Kiah Dienberg, and Sabrina Schanel garnered 1st place for their portrayal of "RGB: United States vs. Virginia." At the same time, Lark Gilchrist and Sunny Desbrow clinched 2nd place with their portrayal of "Irena Sendler." Noemi Bloom's website on the "Great Crash" also secured a 2nd place accolade in the website category. 

Bjorn's Documentary

Reflecting on this unprecedented achievement, Claire Gilchrist, Head of School at New School, expressed appreciation for the students' dedication and the unexpected magnitude of their success. "I recognized the strength of our students' research and projects, but we never anticipated such a remarkable outcome," she remarked. "I can tell you - they earned it. I have rarely seen a group of kids work so hard and so independently on something.” 

Noemi’s Website