Students from the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District showcased their historical knowledge and creativity at the Michigan History Day (MHD) District 10 competition, held on March 1 at the Detroit Historical Society. Several students earned top honors and will advance to the state competition at Central Michigan University on April 19.
Maryna Hedeen, an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher at Bates Elementary, mentored two fourth-grade students, Lucia Araujo Chavez and Nicole Arreola-Perez, who won the Youth Group Performance category with their presentation, Sylvia Mendez Goes to a White School. The duo wrote and performed a short play about Sylvia Mendez, a young girl whose family played a pivotal role in ending Hispanic segregation in California schools in 1946. Today, Sylvia Mendez is a civil rights activist, sharing her story to inspire future generations.
Students from Brownstown Middle School and Woodhaven High School, were mentored by social studies teacher George Hloros, who guided a team of eight students in the competition, with three students earning a spot at the state level:
Woodhaven High School freshmen Sophia Suthers, Ethan Miller, and Zoie Yee impressed judges and will be moving on to states with their performance on Abigail Adams and her unsuccessful efforts to secure women's rights in the creation of the U.S. Constitution. They brought history to life by portraying key figures such as Abigail Adams and George Washington in a dramatic reenactment of the fight for gender equality in early America.
Other participants from Brownstown Middle School and Woodhaven High School included:
WHS junior Yena Guan, who wrote a research paper examining the impact of the French Revolution on the rights and responsibilities of French citizens.
8th Graders Adriana Couls and Lily Beadle, who developed a webpage on Marie Antoinette and her influence on the French Revolution.
7th Graders Serenity Wachner and Justice McNeal created a documentary exploring the hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, analyzing its impact on law and society.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of National History Day, and the 2025 theme, Rights & Responsibilities in History, will continue to inspire students to engage with pivotal historical moments.
Congratulations to all WBSD students who participated in this prestigious event, and best of luck to those competing at the state competition!