By Jo Ann Groeger
The 2013-2014 school year may be a distant memory for most, but not so for Lawrence Middle school students Rhea Pathak and Charlie Christofferson.
Under the tutelage of Priscilla Taylor, National History Day coordinator, they took the top two spots of the Junior Individual Documentary category at the state level, something never accomplished in the past. They qualified for the National Finals, finishing in the top 0.5 percent of nearly 3,000 competitors. Eighty-nine Individual Documentaries in the Junior Division competed with the LMS entries for judging.
Although neither LMS student moved into the final round, it was an honor for them to have competed well against so many students. In recognition of the achievement, Christofferson was one of 35 students invited to attend the Congressional Breakfast sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Great job Charlie and Rhea!
A new school year begins with exciting opportunities and the promise of new experiences. We welcome everyone back and are looking forward to what you will create, develop and perform on a field or stage or classroom.
What will 2014-2015 hold in store for the very talented Lawrence students? As always, we are in awe of their thirst for information and amazed at the ways technology has changed their quest for knowledge. We look forward to seeing them report their experiences at a Board of Education meeting or highlighted in the Lawrence Quick News or the Gazette. Our students are only limited by their own creativity. So students, make this year your best one — work hard and enjoy the benefits of an outstanding education.
Welcome back to our staff. We thank you for your dedication, which is key to the accomplishments and achievements of our students that go far beyond the classroom. Please share with the Board of Education what benchmarks or projects that are set to occur in your classrooms this year. We want to hear what’s working well for you and your students. You and your students deserve the recognition!
Jo Ann Groeger is a member of the Lawrence Township Board of Education. To submit a question or topic to the board, email askaboardmember@ltps.org. Your question may be addressed at the next board meeting.
