Schreiber students honored for historical research

Stephen Romano

The New York State Archives research competition last Thursday awarded 11 Paul D. Schreiber High School students Certificate of Merit honors for historical research.

The competition honored Nathan Abramowitz, Sarah Finkelstein, Caitlin Maley, Matthew Gawley, Cameron Helman, Adi Levin, Lucy Hurt, Colleen O’Donnell, Maria Mirasol, Lauren Seidman and Amanda Wong for their individual and team work on research papers.

“This remarkable accomplishment speaks to the dedication of our Schreiber research students, social science research teachers Elizabeth Dragos and David O’Connor, and the school’s research program as a whole,” said Lawrence Schultz, chairman of the Schreiber social studies department.  

Students eligible for the contest can work individually or in groups and are required to develop projects on a “historical marker, property or district,” according to the competition’s guidelines. 

The students are part of the school’s social science research program, which is a three-year sequence that only accepts 10 students per grade, Schultz said.

Students began as early as last year researching, developing and writing papers on topics that include prohibition in New York City, the Son of Sam serial killer, the foundation of the Cooper Union building, Chinese immigration, female opportunity and fanaticism, the creation of Merriman Park, the 27th Division and more.

“As the department chair, I have to say I was stunned to see that 11 of our students were being honored,” Schultz said. 

“I applaud the Schreiber social studies department and social science teachers who do a tremendous job involving students in projects and competitions that allow them to pursue their passions and showcase their knowledge for regional recognition,” Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Mooney said in a news release. “Congratulations to these students, for once again making us proud.”

While speaking with students after the competition, Schultz said, they are happy but eager to begin working on their research and papers for next year’s competition.

“I have spoken to several of the students who have won and they are all almost universally humble,” he said.

By Stephen Romano

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