Gov. Blagojevich announces 2005 Student Historians of the Year

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the 2005 Student Historians of the Year. These 14 student historians are being recognized for their outstanding articles published in Illinois History magazine - the nation's oldest history magazine written by and for junior and senior high school students. 

 

More than 80 students submitted articles in the past year to Illinois History, and almost 50 were published, of which these 14 are being recognized. The winning authors explored topics in their articles ranging from mid-19^th century Winnebago County newspapers, to the historical contributions of an often-overlooked U.S. senator from Illinois and associate of Abraham Lincoln, to the lives of Illinois teens on the home front.

 

"These young people, with their detailed research and great interest in Illinois' rich traditions and history, make our state proud," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "Their articles give all Illinois students a better appreciation of our rich, shared heritage."

 

The winning students wrote articles that appeared in the January, February and April 2005 editions of Illinois History magazine, a publication founded in 1947 and written by the state's junior and senior high school students.  It is published by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency's Education Services Program, which also publishes Illinois History Teacher, which contains teaching materials.  For more information, visit www.Illinois-History.gov and click on "Education Services."

 

Four of the fourteen students were singled out for special recognition as having the best-written and researched articles of the 14 winners.  These four winners, who each receive a $50 prize, are:

 

Heritage School, Rockford

Teacher:  Elizabeth Carlson

"Journalism or Politics?  Early Newspapers in Winnebago County."

 

Miriam's research is distinguished by the use of numerous references from the very newspapers on which she wrote.  Because these are mid-19^th century newspapers of purely local circulation, Miriam's work, which appeared in April 2005, stands out from many other worthy student contributors to Illinois History.

 

Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Collinsville 

Teacher:  Michael Voss

"Illinois Teens on the Home Front."

 

Julia's research is outstanding for its heavy reliance on books and newspaper accounts for her subject.  Many students were naturally attracted to the January 2005 issue in which her article appeared.  However, Julia's serious treatment of the topic is attested to by very serious research.

 

Belleville Township High School West 

Teacher:  Melissa Schmitt

"The Lincoln-Trumbull Connection."

           

Allison wrote in February 2005 about the too-little known U.S. Senator from Illinois, Lyman Trumbull.  Not only did Senator Trumbull introduce the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (which abolished slavery), but he was also one of seven senators who courageously voted against the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson.  Allison's article details the role Trumbull had in enabling Abraham Lincoln's rise to the presidency.

 

Washington School, Peoria

Teachers:  Mindy Juriga and Janelle Dies

"David Davis' Contribution to the Illinois Central Railroad."

           

Brandon demonstrated an exceptional talent for good story telling in his well-researched article appearing in February 2005.  Brandon concludes forcefully about David Davis:  "Because of his leadership, he will be remembered forever in the history of Illinois."

 

 

Carbondale Community High School

Teacher:  Patricia Grimmer

"Mr. And Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant" February 2005

 

Oregon High School

Teacher:  Sara Werckle

"Joseph Medill and His Positive Role in Illinois History"

April 2005

 

Civic Memorial High School, Bethalto

Teacher:  Carol B. Phillips

"David Davis:  A Defender of the Constitution"

February 2005

 

University Laboratory School, Urbana

Teacher:  Adele Suslick

"Clothing for Teen Girls in the 1970s."

January 2005

 

Belleville Township High School West

Teacher:  Melissa Schmitt

"Defender of Integrity:  The Story of Paul Simon"

April 2005

 

University Laboratory School, Urbana

Teacher:  Steve Rayburn

"D-Day in the Chicago Daily Tribune"

April 2005

 

Brookwood Junior High School, Glenwood

Teacher:  Harry Daley

"Child Labor in the 1930s"

January 2005

University Laboratory School, Urbana

Teacher:  Rosemary Laughlin

"Lyman Trumbull and the Pullman Strike"

February 2005

 

All Saints Academy, Breese

Teacher:  Stephanie Garcia

"Ida B. Wells-Barnett"

April 2005

 

Keller Elementary Gifted Center, Chicago

Teacher:  Sandra Cap

"The Differences of Teenagers in the 1940s Compared to Teenagers Today"

January 2005