Gifted & Talented students showcase award-winning documentaries at state History Day competition
Reuben Trachtenberg and Robert Koutroupas
Two ԹϺ middle school students in the Dimensions Academy gifted and talented program earned medals at the National History Day state competition, held April 27 in Minneapolis. NHD is a co-curricular program for students in grades 6-12 focusing on historical research and analysis about a topic of their choosing.
Both medalists finished in the top five of the Junior Individual Documentary category. Reuben Trachtenberg, 6th grade, Oak Grove Middle (OGM), placed 4th and Robert Koutroupas, 6th grade, Olson Middle (OMS), placed 5th for their respective documentaries titled, “Smoking in America” and “Yellowstone National Park: The Wonder of the West.”
Students earning honorable mentions for their projects include Sage Whiting, Evelyn Blessing, Cara Schneider, Hannah Schwain, Mabel Piersa, and Mary Rockwell (OMS); and Felicia Johnson and Greta Peterson (OGM).
In total, 16 students from OMS and OGM advanced to the state competition, the largest group of Dimensions Academy students ever to compete at the state level.
Cindy Nelson, Allison Lindman, Kristi Johnson
Five Bloomington middle school educators also received the Minnesota History Day Team Teachers of Merit award, presented by the Minnesota Historical Society. Recipients include Patti Lang and Allison Lindman (OGM), Cindy Nelson and Jonathan Swanson (OMS), and middle school media director Kristi Johnson.