MDS is so proud and delighted to share the news that eighth grade student, Ava H., came in first place at the state level in the National History Competition and is moving on to the national competition.

This year’s National History Competition theme is Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. Students competing conducted extensive primary and secondary research analyzing the impact and significance of their chosen topics. The final presentations consisted of original papers, exhibits, performances, websites or documentaries.

Ava has been working diligently since September studying and researching Julia Child and her contributions to the world at large. Ava created a documentary film highlighting how Child was able to take her passion for cooking and make it accessible to all. Her documentary showcases how Child made cooking easy and available for women as they were entering the workforce, pioneered how-to cookbooks and paved the way for an explosion of cooking shows.

With the support of Edie Koslowe and Alli Sobel, three groups presented at the city level where Ava placed first. Many talented students from schools across the entire state participated at the state level in Oneonta, New York. Once again Ava placed first at the state competition and will advance to the national competition on June 11 at the University of Maryland, College Park. This win is a testament to Ava’s hard work and dedication.