Three students from High School in the Community (HSC) in New Haven are preparing to compete in the National History Day finals at the University of Maryland, College Park. Junior Mya Stettinger and sophomore twin sisters Priya and Janu Patel have been selected for their outstanding historical research projects.
Local Talents Shine
Stettinger has focused her research on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, highlighting the institutional reactions to economic progress in the Black community of Greenwood. Her thesis explores how the suppression of this history has stifled Black progress for over a century. Meanwhile, the Patel sisters have delved into the 1943 Bengal Famine, examining the agricultural reforms initiated by M.S. Swaminathan and their long-term ecological impacts.
Supported by HSC history teacher Danny Roque and library media specialist Karen Quinn, the students have been diligently preparing for the competition. They have also received resources from Rebecca Taber of the Connecticut Democracy Center. The students’ dedication is evident as they balance their History Day projects with advanced placement courses and dual-enrollment college classes.
Community Support and Future Goals
Both Stettinger and the Patels have launched GoFundMe campaigns to fund their trip to the national competition, with each campaign already more than halfway to its goal. The theme for this year’s competition is “revolution, reaction, and reform,” which aligns with the students’ chosen topics.
Stettinger, who aspires to a career in criminal justice, credits her History Day experiences with enhancing her research skills and broadening her perspective on justice-related issues. The Patel sisters, interested in business management, have found the competition valuable for improving communication and time-management skills.
Roque and Quinn have praised the students’ grit and curiosity, noting that their participation in History Day has fostered leadership skills within the school. Despite limited resources, HSC students consistently excel in these competitions, demonstrating the power of dedication and hard work.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
