Bronxville High School Students’ Historical Research to be Displayed in D.C.

Four exceptional Bronxville High School students – Caroline Hardart, Louise Jacobs, Sebastian Jew and Virginia Shah – have been invited to showcase their authentic and extensive historical research in Washington, D.C., on June 12. They conducted their research for National History Day on a topic of their choice that focused on this year’s theme of “Turning Points in History.”

Jew’s research paper, “From Conflict to Cooperation: The 1969 Sino-Soviet Border Conflict and Sino-American Rapprochement,” was selected to be featured at the National History Day Paper Showcase with the White House Historical Association. He was also invited to attend a writer’s workshop and tour the White House Visitor Center.

“The depth of Sebastian’s curiosity, knowledge and analytical reasoning skills are impressive, but what is most impressive is Sebastian’s deep desire for critical feedback and improvement,” teacher Christina Reidel said. “Sebastian’s work has made a substantial contribution to the historical record on Sino-American Rapprochement, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have guided him in his independent study this year.”

Hardart, Jacobs and Shah, who collaborated to create an exhibit titled “Automats and American Identity: Horn and Hardart’s Impact on Culture and Social Interaction,” were invited to display their work at the National History Day Exhibit Showcase at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

“They have worked so hard in creating their exhibit,” said social studies teacher Dana Landesman, who oversees the program. “The Horn and Hardart Automat was the perfect choice for their extensive research process examining Caroline’s great-grandfather’s restaurant, created in 1888, which was an innovative dining experience that brought together people of various socio-economic backgrounds throughout a period of hardships, including the Great Depression.”

The students’ projects were selected for their superior quality and relevance. Landesman said this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and she is proud of the deserving students. In addition to Landesman, members of the history department, including Chris Doyle, Eva Gambino, Steve Klurfeld and Martin Patmos, have worked tirelessly to support and motivate students to produce outstanding work.

“The recognition these students are receiving is astounding,” Patmos said. “Throughout the NHD process we’ve all seen their projects develop and grow, with the students’ passion, dedication and enthusiasm for their projects driving their research and understanding. Seeing their work recognized in this fashion is humbling.”