KAS 8th grader wins National History Day Regional Competition

On Saturday March 23, 2024 at the Heinz History Center students throughout the region participated in National History Day. The event draws students from all over the Pittsburgh region and this year the topic was “Turning Points in History.”

As I sat down with Nora, an eighth grader who has been at KAS since Kindergarten and is also one of the three winners in the junior division moving onto the State Competition, I was nothing short of impressed. Nora’s topic was Sputnik: A Turning Point in Education. She competed in the Individual Exhibit category in the Juniors division (grades 6-8). Nora explained how she came to choose this topic and her love of history was apparent as she walked me through her process. 

It’s no question that history is one of Nora’s favorite subjects to study, but speaking with Nora you feel her passion for learning. Nora worked on this project inside and outside of school with the support of the Middle School team. Mr. Mike Cochran organized flexible work for Nora so she could spend a science period a week working on NHD. Ms. Nana Massie volunteered to coach Nora during these class periods and supported her with her research and writing. Nora spent three months researching, writing, and preparing to present a clear argument on Sputnik. Her dedication and organization is to be commended!

Nora will head to NHD State Competition at the University of Scranton on April 20th to present once again. Congratulations and Good Luck Nora! We could not be more proud of you and your accomplishments!

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