MONTICELLO — A group of Monticello High School students competed in the New York State History Day contest at SUNY Oneonta on Monday, April 24. These exceptionally bright students attended the state-wide competition to present their research on topics that reflected this year’s theme of “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.” Students were selected based on their performance in the regional competition which was held on March 19 in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Students began working on their projects in September, researching and gathering various sources on their chosen topic that focused on the competition’s annual theme. They organized their information into creative formats that adhered to the contest’s rules, such as original papers, exhibits, performances, websites or documentaries. 

Innovation and creativity were on full display when students presented their research findings at the Mid-Hudson Regional History Day Competition on Sunday, March 19. The contest featured projects from students in grades 6-12 and was held at Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie, NY. MHS students did an extraordinary job of analyzing and interpreting their research, perfectly capturing this year’s theme in original creative works. Several MHS students earned first or second place at the regional competition, including:

• Kalene Harris & Chloe Brown – 1st Place, Group Documentary 

• Geliana Fernandez – 1st Place, Individual Documentary 

• Preston Roosa – 2nd Place, Individual Documentary 

• Max Maidenbaum – 1st Place, Individual Website 

• Meg Bastone – 2nd Place, Individual Website 

• Belle Zhou – 1st Place, Individual Performance 

• Julia Wysokinska – 1st Place, Paper 

• Morris Germann – 2nd Place, Paper

• Victoria Falevich – 1st Place, Individual Exhibit 

• Blayre Carnell – 2nd Place, Individual Exhibit 

After a successful performance at the Mid-Hudson Regional History Day Competition, students were excited to move on to the state competition. On Monday, April 24, MHS students represented the district with pride and professionalism at the New York State History Day contest at SUNY Oneonta. They presented their research findings to crowds of students and academic professionals from across the state. Although none of the students earned first or second place in their respective categories, MHS student Geliana Fernandez was recognized for her documentary and earned the award for “Outstanding Senior Entry in American Labor History.” This was one of several sponsored awards given to projects that relate to certain themes.  

While this was the first year MHS students competed in the local and state National History Day contests, they did an incredible job on their research projects and the MCSD community is exceptionally proud of their performances at both competitions. It was an excellent learning experience for all students and a first step towards their future success. Congratulations to these MHS students on a job well done!