O
n January 14, 2020,
the teachers and staff
at Franklin Regional
Middle School (FRMS) hosted
the 4th annual National History
Day (NHD). This year’s theme was “Breaking
Barriers in History.” All of the 7th-grade
students spent the first semester researching,
writing, and analyzing a topic for this theme.
Throughout this process, students focused
on historical research, interpretation, and
expression. This engaging experience helped
students to think critically, improve research
and reading skills, enhance problem-solving
skills, and gain confidence and self-esteem
for future academic endeavors. This year, 246
projects were submitted.
“Franklin Regional prides itself on providing
a well-rounded educational experience for all
of our students,” said Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr.,
Superintendent of Schools. “National History
Day is project-based learning at its best with
a focus on the humanities. Humanities is a
critical element in the educational process to
create a future generation of engaged citizens
who learn lessons from our past.”
All students in 7th grade were encouraged
to submit a design to create this year’s
NHD logo, which was used for the winners’
medals and judges’ gifts. The design criteria
included the letters NHD, FRMS, the year, and
the theme (Breaking Barriers) along with an
explanation of what the logo design meant.
The winner this year was Alethea Foster.
Ms. Denielle DeSantis, an art teacher at
Franklin Regional Senior High School (FRSH),
assisted with formatting the logo image. Ms.
Monica Bruno, a teacher at FRSH, assisted in
creating a template of the logo for the laser
cutter which was used to create the medals
for the first place winners and coasters for the
contest judges thank you gift.
The FRMS NHD Committee includes Mr.
Brandon Aganad, 7th grade teacher, Mr. Dan
Taylor, 7th grade teacher, Mr. Andy Tressler,
7th grade teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Joyce,
Gifted Support, and Mrs. Christy Belgiovane,
Librarian, Dr. Tawnia St. Amant, Principal, and
Dr. Jack Molnar, Assistant Principal.
NHD had a panel of 69 judges comprised
of Franklin Regional educators, retired FR
teachers, National Honor Society students, FR
Senior High School students, representatives
from the Murrysville Community Library and
Murrysville Historical Society, Heinz History
Center, the University of Pittsburgh, Mother of
Sorrows, and the Plum Area School District.
All of the students who participated in this
event had the opportunity to collaborate with
their peers, talk with experts, and learn 21st
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