Other teacher winners:

• Corie Gaylord and Justin Negraval, 10th and 11th grade teachers, South Brunswick High School, Monmouth Junction, NJ - Corie started the Dead Presidents Society of South Brunswick High School. The society is the school's history club which includes a small number of students dedicated to exploring historic sites and delving deeper into their study of history, both on a national and local level. The students have participated in field trips to historic sites as well as fundraising efforts such as creating and selling a historic cookbook and selling T-shirts with historically related sayings, mugs and carabiners. Their fundraising efforts have enabled them to explore historic sites outside of their local area and expand their knowledge of national history.
• Jennifer Atkinson, 1st grade teacher, Metz Elementary, Austin, TX - Jennifer utilized the SOH grant to sponsor activities and events for the students and community to participate in helping to collect, record, preserve and foster a connection to the history of Metz. Jennifer's efforts are helping to preserve the rich history of the Metz School and encourage the students to become interested in their local history.
• James Triesler, 11th and 12th grade teacher, Clover Hill High School, Midlothian, VA - James has his students transcribe letters and diaries, scan photographs and interview veterans to contribute to the class website which is meant to both honor veterans and educate people about World War II. The project, called "It Took A War", encourages students to take an active role in historic preservation as well as creating a bond between two very different generations.
• Paul LaRue, 9th-12th grade teacher, Washington High School, Washington C.H., OH - In "Finding the Faceless Freesom Fighters", Paul had his students research the lives of the African-American Civil War Veterans from the Gist Settlement. Students researched the veterans, visited the settlement and wrote biographies of the veterans. Paul worked with his students mapping the Gist Cemetary, which included assigning numbers to each headstone, collecting the names, dates of birth and dates of death, and the condition of the headstone. They helped in placing headstones for those who didn't have one, and power-washed those headstones that cannot be replaced. Paul's efforts are helping to preserve a local history as well as educate his students about Civil War Veterans.
• Brenda Berndt, 6th grade teacher, Clasco Grade School, Glasco, KS - Brenda had her students locate and photograph the gravesites of eighty-three Civil War Veterans in the Glasco Cemetary, assemble historical information on their origins and homesteads in Kansas, and assess the impact it had on the community development. The students created notebooks on each veteran they were assigned. Brenda plans to have the students use this information to make exhibits to be displayed in the community.
• David Hageman, 10th and 11th grade teacher, Sehome High School, Bellingham, WA - David created the "Whatcom Territorial Courthouse Heritage Project" in order to teach high school students how to work with primary documents using original frontier court case papers, write essays for a nationally known history website and to draw local attention to the importance of preserving the state's oldest brick building and its colorful history.
• Bryan Feci, 4th grade teacher, Holly Oak Elementary, San Jose, CA - Bryan had his 4th grade class research and do mock-newspaper articles about historic California explorers. Students were also to create maps tracking the explorer's routes as well as timelines of the explorer's life. Bryan's project got his students interested in history and it also enabled them to teach their peers about what they had learned.
• Kimberly Paxson, 10th grade teacher, Moore High School, Moore, OK - Kimberly had her students research the history of Oklahoma and create an illustration of an event that occurred over the last 100 years that influenced local history. The designs were then translated to large sidewalk chalk drawings on the sidewalks around the school. Kimberly's project encouraged students to locate local history and to teach others about it as well.
• Tammie Sanders, Librarian K-3rd, Caldwell County Elementary, Princeton, KY - Tammie uses SOH lesson plans, activities and project guides to create Out-of-the-Box lessons covering a variety of topics from Civil War Day to the Saving Local Historical Sites photo/essay campaign. Through her work, Tammie is encouraging her students to actively participate in the preservation and documentation of local history.
• Meg Vecchi, 4th grade teacher, Canandaigua Elementary, Canandaigua, NY - Meg had her 4th grade class research the life of Jesse Hawley, the formation of the Erie Canal in New York State, and then create an original musical CD by writing songs describing the life of this local pioneer and his dream of a canal traversing New York State. In addition to learning local history, Meg's students learned about the history of bluegrass music and its significance to the country. Through research, Meg's students gained a better understanding and appreciation of how the waterway changed life for the settlers of upstate New York.
• Michael Douglas, 9th-12th grade teacher, Doris M. Johnson High School, Baltimore, MD - Michael has his students research and document their local history by conducting oral histories, writing essays and presenting their findings to the community through a partnership with the Maryland Historical Society. This program has been around for three years and has focused on a different aspect of the local history each year. This year's focus was the Civil Rights Movement in Baltimore, MD. The students are creating a book and a web page to illustrate and share their work.
• Christine Leroux with Jill Meade, AnnaLua Fontes, and Kate Brandt, 9th-12th grade teachers, Youth Build Holyoke, Holyoke, MA - Christine had her students create an exhibit demonstrating their love of Puerto Rican culture as well as describe their experiences here on the United States mainland. Her students learned techniques for presenting information such as video editing, layout, text editing, and selecting appropriate visual media to illustrate their findings. The goal of the exhibit is to teach people about Puerto Rican history and encourage the students to take an active role in preserving their history, educating others and participating in the world around them.
• Orelia Sparrow Dann, 9th-12th grade teacher, Greenhills School, Ann Arbor, MI - Orelia's students engaged in independent research projects about early Michigan architecture and how it was shaped by cultural, political, economic and social changes. The architectural styles researched included Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Richardson Romanesque, Queen Anne, Bungalo and Arts & Crafts. These projects encouraged an appreciation of the students' surroundings and how they came to be.
• Jesse Godzala, 10th grade teacher, Foley High School, Foley, MN - Jesse had his students gather oral histories from local World War II veterans. Students documented these histories and then shared their findings with their classmates and their teachers. Through this project, Jesse helped to foster a bond between two very different generations and preserve an endangered history.
• Brian Allen and Lila Mitchell, 9th-12th grade teacher, Harbor High School, Aberdeen, WA - Lila created a 13 day program called "On the Road to Learning" in which students travel around Washington State studying Washington State history in order to fulfill the required .50 state history credit. Students spend the 2 days prior to departure mapping activities, participating in campsite procedures, discussing expectations, aigning up for chores and doing research. Each student chooses a specific site the will be visited and becomes an "expert" for that site. Students keep journals and take photographs to record their trip. Upon returning to school, students use their photos to create a poster board depicting the trip which is displayed for the community.
• Cynthia Webb 6th-9th grade teacher, UV Lab Middle School, Laramie, WY - Cynthia had her students investigate the history of Laramie, WY through archaeological research at the Wyoming Territorial Prison. The project increased the students' understanding of the facility and the history of the area. The information is shared through the production of a video documentary, interpretive panels on-site, and student contact with educational groups and the public.
• Brian Connick, 11th-12th grade teacher, Algona Community School, Algona, IA - Brian's students utilized iMovie to create short videos highlighting the experiences of local World War II veterans. Brian started this project in the Spring of 2001 and his students completed the 150th interview this year. In addition to conducting these interviews, Brian's students find various ways of sharing what they have learned with others. This year the videos will be displayed in the Camp Algona museum.
• Mark DeBiasse, 10th grade teacher, Madison High School, Madison, NJ - Mark had his students study and work to preserve a Revolutionary War era home and blacksmith's forge in Madison, NJ. The project will culminate in the creation of a 20 minute educational video about the site that will be shown at a meeting of the Madison Historical Society. Copies of the video will be distributed for use in the United States and New Jersey history curriculum throughout the school district. The research will also support future grant applications aimed at the preservation and interpretation of the forge.
• Kim O'Neil, 6th grade teacher, Liverpool Elementary, Liverpool, NY - Kim enlisted her students to compile the data provided to them by a Liverpool Village Museum historian into chart form. The information was then published on the internet to ensure longevity and preservation of the documentation as well as to provide easy access to the local and global communities.
• Darlene Dobbs, Gifted K-5th grade teacher, Charles L. Gideons Elementary, Atlanta, GA - Darlene had her students research people, places and events in the local community that had ties to the Civil Rights Movement and prepare visual representations of the information that their research uncovered. Students were hands-on in their research and presented their findings in the form of Document Based Questions. They also interviewed local residents about the Movement. Darlene's work helped to build for her students an overall understanding of the Civil Rights era and the significance of the local history as a part of national and state history.
• Cindy Schulte and Helen Hendrick, 6th grade teacher, Queen of All Saints, St. Louis, MO - Cindy has her students make personal, hometown connections with Holocaust events throughout the world through the use of History Channel lesson plans and programs, speakers, research and presentations as a part of her Holocaust to Human Rights Project. She also incorporated a unit on the geneocides in Darfur, Bosnia and Rwanda to illustrate for her students how history repeats itself. Students took turns filming all activities involved in Holocaust to Human Rights and a core group is creating a movie for everyone to share with their families. Cindy's project passes on the history of the Holocaust to a whole new generation, ensuring that it never is forgotton.
• Gary Horne, 8th grade teacher, Ferry Pass Middle School, Pensacola, FL - Gary's project is aimed at revitalizing the Colonial Archaeology Trail through the physical restoration of archaeological sites, the creation of an associated pamphlet/activity book and an accompanying PowerPoint "Virtual Field Trip". The Ferry Pass Middle School History Club is working to construct an interactive and educational tour that will potentially become mandatory for middle school students in Escambia County. Gary's project encourages student appreciation of the historical significance of the area in which they live.
• Carl Ballenas, 5th-6th grade teacher, Immaculate Conception, Jamaica, NY - Carl had his students organize a Freedom Seder with the Solomon Schechter School demonstrating their commitment to religious, harmony, respect, and the importance of making a difference in repairing our world. The goal was to build bridges between the two cultures and find binds that would bring them closer. For the Seder students selected readings, prayers in both Hebrew and English, songs and the use of symbolic foods to demonstrate unity. Carl's work is helping to forge friendships and bonds and end the tensions and prejudices that have existed for centuries.
• Michelle Pearson, Social Studies teacher, Hulstom Options, Thornton, CO - Michelle helped to organize "Podcasts for Preservation" which is a student-designed and run initiative the promotes about historic landmarks in Colorado through the creation of technology products including wiki's, podcasts, and websites which are available for free to the general public. The students designed a preservation strategic plan to organize their projects and preservation commitments so that they could be active in preservation, serve as leaders in the community, and educate others about history.

2007 Save Our History Student of the Year & Finalists

Kaitlyn McConnell

Marshfield High School

Marshfield, Missouri

"A Light into the Past" - Kaitlyn authors a weekly column within her local newspaper, featuring on historic sites within Webster County. Each week, Kaitlyn chooses a new site, conducts research at the library, interviews local residents, photographs and documents the site for her article. In every article she writes, Kaitlyn attempts to convey the site's importance by focusing on its origins, community ties and current purpose. Teacher - David Gray

Other student winners:

• Ryan Brown, 12th grade, Denver School of the Arts, Denver, CO - Ryan created a documentary about the former Colorado governor Ralph Carr. Through research in books, conducting interviews as well as trips to the Colorado Historic Society and the Colorado State Archives, Ryan gathered enough information to create a compelling documentary that hightlights the historic impact that Govenor Carr had on America. Teacher - Ed Glassman
• Dan Burns, 12th grade, Chartiers Vallery High School, Bridgeville, PA - Dan raised $2,200 for the Carnegie, PA Historic Society's renovation of the 1896 Husler building by organizing a "Rock for History" benefit concert. The concert was held at the historic 1899 Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music hall and featured six local bands. Through his fundraising efforts, Dan is working to preserve the local architecture of Carnegie, PA. Teacher - Robert Rodrigues
• Matthew Cortland, 12th grade, Cherokee High School, Marlton, NJ - Matthew spearheaded the replication and construction of a traveling war memorial commemorating and honoring the American soldiers killed in conflict with Iraq and Afghanistan. In creating this memorial, Matthew is helping to preserve the memory of these brave Americans. Teacher - K. Stokes
• Colton Lockner, 4th grade, BL Miller Elementary, Sebring, OH - Colton organized the first ever Freedom Walk in Sebring, OH on September 11, 2006 to honour American military men and women as well as to remember the events of September 11, 2001. He organized all of the fundraising and had over 2,000 participants in the walk. Colton's efforts preserve the memory of past veterans, support current ones and encourage everyone to try to make a difference. Teacher - Jeana D'Ostoph
• Angelique Bash, 10th grade, Norco High, Norco, CA - Angelique researched and documented the history of the Norconian Hotel in Norco, CA. Through her efforts, she helped to preserve the dying memory of this fascinating historic site. Teacher - Josh Jordan
• Grant Monroe, 11th grade, Perry County High School, Linden, TN - Grant researched and documented his family heritage and the roles that his ancestors played in the history of America, the State of Tennessee and Perry County, TN. While the project started as an assignment for his American History class, he went above and beyond the course requirements. Grant's project puts a personal touch on history and displays how everyone has played a role in American history. Teacher - Stan Vespie
• Alessa Makuch, 12th grade, Danville Area High School, Danville, PA - Alessa assisted in organizing and leading the preservation and restoration of an 1800's cemetary in Danville, PA. She restored ruined headstones and recorded the inscriptions. In preserving this cemetary, Alessa helped to preserve history that would have otherwise been lost. Teacher - Christian Pegg
• Paul Drummond, 12th grade, Allegany High School, Cumberland, MD - Paul assisted in compiling an oral history of the Allegany High School in both a hard and soft-bound book. He was the graphis assistant/photo specialist for the project and was responsible for developing, cleaning, and altering the photos which were included in the book. He also researched the background of the school's jazz band as well as conducted interviews for the project. In preserving the history of the high school, Paul also learned about a topic that directly effected him and his peers. Teacher - Brian White
• Andrew Angus, 12th grade, Staples High School, Westport, CT - Andrew created documentaries about the almost 300 year old Greens Farms Congregational Church's cemeteries and meetinghouse. He conducted interviews and in doing so has helped to preserve the spoken history of the Greens Farms Congregational Church. Teacher - Ashley Gayanillo
• Derek Netto, 8th grade, Immaculate Conception, Jamaica, NY - Derek created a children's book depicting the history of Christmas caroling in America. The book includes historic illustrations of Richmond Hill, NY as it was depicted in old photographs and postcards from the Richmond Hill Historic Society. Derek's project preserves local history in a manner that makes it readily accesible for future generations. Teacher - Carl Ballenas
• Nicholas Troiano, 12th grade, Delaware Valley High School, Milford, PA - Nicholas created a documentary about a grassroots effort in Milford, PA to stop the Tock's Island Dam Project. He did extensive research in addition to conducting interviews with people who were effected by the project. In doing this project, Nicholas is preserving a vital part of his town's history. Teacher - Thomas Burns
• Patrick Mangan, 9th grade, John Paul II Catholic High School, Tallahassee, FL - Patrick's project documents the rise and fall of the Apalachee and Spanish missions of Tallahassee, FL, highlighting the 17th and 18th century history of the area. He gathered research from libraries, missions and archives as well as translating eyewitness accounts from Old Spanish to English. Patrick's project preserves local history as well as assisting to preserve the site of the San Pedro y Pablo de Patale mission. Teacher - Richard Daye
• Alexandra Sneider, 12th grade, Concord-Carlisle Regional High School, Concord, MA - Alexandra created a power point presentation highlighting the life and achievements of Ephraim Wales Bull, including his invention of the Concord Grape. She researched her presentation by visiting Bull's house in Concord, MA, as well as exploring the resourses offered by the Concord Free Public Library. Alexandra's presentation not only helped to inspire her own interest in history but has also helped to preserve the history of this historic figure. Teacher - M. Carr
• Kimberly Bryde, 12th grade, School of the Holy Child, Rye, NY - Kimberly created a documentary on the impact of the American character on global warfare in the 20th century and the influence that national politics has on both New York City and local suburban areas. Her work was inspired by two books by Ernest Hemingway and included information that she studied in her AP US History class. Kimberly's project preserves the origin of modern American life by addressing the issues of overseas war and the home front. Teacher - Betsy Robertson
• Emily Mullin, 12th grade, Breck School, Golden Valley, MN - Emily created a documentary detailing St. Louis Park's search for a clear identity that could unite all of its diverse residents around a common sense of place. She does this by studying the intersection between the history and geography of the park. By doing this project, Emily has been able to preserve local history and encourage a sense of community among the residents of St. Louis Park. Teacher - Melissa Soderberg
• Noah Justin Koubenec, 12th grade, Homeschool, Pilot Mountain, NC - Noah Justin created a comprehensive archival project about the pre-1950 town of Pilot Mountain, NC. He conducted multiple filmed interviews of long-time residents of the town which has helped preserve the spoken history of Pilot Mountain. Teacher - Penny Koubenec
• Aruna Gnanasekaran, 12th grade, University High School, Fresno, CA - Aruna documented and catalogued the historic sites of Fresno, CA. She researched the sites by visiting them and documented them in a photo journal. Aruna's project makes her local history approachable for generations to come.
• Evangeline Lee, 12th grade, Homeschool, Williamsville, NY - Evangeline documented the preservation of Buffalo, NY in "Raising/Raizing Buffalo". She researched the project over a nine month period. Evangeline's documentary preserved as well as educated people about Buffalo's history. Teacher - Judy Lee
• Jessica Harper, 11th grade, Freedon High School, Bethleham, PA - Jessica documented the history of the Bethlehem Steel factory in Bethlehem, PA. She researched the factory in her local library as well as through the current newspaper updates about the debates surrounding what to do with the factory. In doing this project, Jessica is preserving the history of this factory that may soon no longer exist. Teacher - John Walton
• Jennifer Crick, 12th grade, The Tome School, North East, MD - Jennifer works towards historic preservation through volunteer service, research and eduction. She volunteers at the Fort Deleware State Park and Civil War Prison as well as at the pre-Revolutionary Greenbank Mill and has learned the importance that history's lessons have in today's world. Teacher - Kenneth Wohner
• Christopher Pflaum, 12th grade, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School, Scotch Plains, NJ - Christopher participated in the creation of the Codington Farmstead Museum in Warren Township, NJ. He helped in everything from the research of local history to the hands-on restoration of period furniture and the museum building itself. I doing this project, Christopher helped to preserve valuable local history. Teacher - Daivd Goudy
• Jesse Marks, 12th grade, St. John's Prep School, Danvers, MA - Jesse created a documentary chronicling the Lowell Mill Strikes of 1834 and 1836 and the labor and women's-rights movements that these strikes helped to inspire. She compiled newspaper articles as well as firsthand and secondary accounts of the strikes into a narration which she illustrated with valuable images. In doing this project, Jesse brought attention to important historic events that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Teacher - Peter Mathison
• Adeline Gorlin, 12th grade, Breck School, Hopkins, MN - Adeline researched and reported on the evolvolution of Bloomington, MN. She conducted her research through interviews with local public figures and visits to the Minnesota History Museum. Adeline's efforts helped to chronicle the recent history of Bloomington, MN. Teacher - Melissa Soderberg
• Kelsey Quandt, 12th grade, Homeschool, Stomsburg, NE - Kelsey helped to document and preserve the clothing of the pioneers of Polk County, NE. In researching the pieces, Kelsey also helped to revitalize the local historic society and preserve a local history that would have otherwise been lost. Teacher - Clare Quandt