Commack Students Win Awards at National History Day Competition

On Sunday, March 8, 2015, a group of Commack Middle School and High School students represented Commack School District at the Long Island regional competition for National History Day, held at Hofstra University.  National History Day is a competition that helps students see connections between the past and present over time. This year’s theme, “Leadership and Legacy,” provided a focus for the History Day projects, and increased students’ understanding by developing an historical point of view that helps students place information in the correct context.

We are proud to announce that Elizabeth Jacobs received 1st place honors for her performance depicting “The Leadership and Legacy of Chief Joseph.” Elizabeth also received recognition from the Holocaust Museum and Tolerance Center for “Best Long Island Project depicting Genocide, Bias, or Intolerance.”

Julianna Jacobs and Rachel Forman received 1st place honors for their exhibit illustrating  “The Leadership and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln.”

Commack High School senior, Brianna Riordan, received two awards for her documentary highlighting “The Leadership and Legacy of Leroy Grumman.” Brianna was recognized for “Best Long Island Project”  which represented Aviation or Military History (sponsored by Cradle of Aviation Museum). Brianna also received honors for the best project representing Local History, sponsored by the Smithtown Historical Society.

Elizabeth, Julianna, and Rachel will represent Long Island in the New York State History Day Competition in April.

Story & photos by Brenda Lentsch

Photo above: Julianna Jacobs and Rachel Forman standing in front of their project.

Photo above: Commack Middle School Principal Anthony Davidson (right) and Social Studies Coordinator  Brian Trapani with History Day entrants/honorees Elizabeth Jacobs, Rachel Forman, and Julianna Jacobs.

Photo above: Coordinator of Social Studies, Brian Trapani (left) and CHS Assistant Principal, Matthew Keltos, congratulate Brianna Riordan on her awards and honors.