NEWS                                                               Walnut Valley Unified School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        880 S. Lemon Avenue

March 24, 2011                                           Walnut, CA 91789

Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources

(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204

 

WALNUT, CA— South Pointe Middle School students took part in the 31st Annual History Day L.A. held at Azusa Pacific University on March 12.

The 8th grade Honors Social Studies class worked on projects as part of a research component of the class, said teacher Mrs. Nancy Bednar.

Nine students entered their projects in the Exhibit, Documentary, Website, and Historical Paper categories of the competition.

“We all had a great time,” Bedner said.  “And two students were named winners!”

Lynn Lee won the “Ken Easum Award” for the best use of oral history within an individual presentation. She received an engraved plaque with a gold pen. 

Her project featured in the exhibit was called “The Debate on How the Effects of Automobiles Really Affect Us.”  Lynn answered questions from judges when they visited her display that included a mission statement, detailed charts, graphs, and photos.

Lynn chose her theme because, “it is a big topic today and I thought people would be interested,” she said.  “It was fun learning about the pros and cons.”

“I hope that I will get to drive a hybrid car!” she said.  Students in the advanced class worked on their history research projects for about two months.

“Because this is a special award, Lynn will not be taking her project to the State level,” Bednar said.

Emily Leung’s entry, “Bringing Water to a Thirsty Land”, won in the Junior Division Historical Paper category. 

After a lot of thought, she chose water distribution as her topic  “because it has a direct impact on me,” Emily said.

And she learned a lot about the Owens Valley water controversy while writing the five-page research paper.

“This is about the water I use,” she said. 

Emily will now advance to represent Los Angeles County at the State level competition, History Day California. The event will be held in San Jose from April 28-May 1.

History Day L.A. is part of a national program that encourages students to prepare posters, exhibits, papers, websites, performances, and documentary presentations on a historical theme. Projects are judged by community members and social science professionals.

South Pointe 8th grade students Lynn Lee and Emily Leung, wearing medal, won top awards at the History Day L.A. competition held at Azusa Pacific University.