Photo Caption: Jacob Brown of Rockville High School earned second place at the Connecticut History Day statewide competition for his exhibit “Sheff v. O’Neill: Equal Education in Connecticut” this past May. He is representing Connecticut and presenting his research at National History Day® this week in Maryland. Photo courtesy of Sean Flynn
(Hartford, CT) – The research projects of two Connecticut students will be included in a showcase at cultural institutions in Washington, D.C., as part of the 2025 National History Day® Contest this week. A total of sixty students in grades 6-12 have set off to represent Connecticut at the prestigious contest, which expects 2,800 students from around the U.S. and abroad.
Jacob Brown, a student at Rockville High School, and Avner Wilson-Spiro, a student at Wilton High School, are among 90 students selected to have their historical research projects highlighted. All research projects reflect this year’s National History Day contest theme, Rights and Responsibilities in History.
Jacob, a rising sophomore, will share his exhibition, “Sheff v. O’Neill: Equal Education in Connecticut,” at the National Museum of American History. Avner Wilson-Spiro, a rising senior, will share his written paper “A Long Fought Battle: Agent Orange, Soldiers Rights and the Government’s Responsibility,” at the White House Historical Association. Avner is also among eight students invited to attend a prestigious Writers Workshop at The People’s House: A White House Experience.
Jacob and Avner have been working on their projects since the start of the school year. Avner developed his project under the guidance of his teacher, Molly Palmer. Teacher Regina Lee assisted Jacob. After winning at regionals, the students continued to refine their projects for the statewide competition in May. Jacob earned second place, and Avner earned first place, securing an invite to represent Connecticut at National History Day®
“The dedication of our students and teachers never ceases to amaze me,” says Rebecca Tabor, Director of Secondary Education Programs for the Connecticut Democracy Center and Connecticut History Day. “We are so proud of Jacob, Avner, and the entire Connecticut team. There is nothing more exciting or rewarding than watching our students shine.” Connecticut History Day is a program of the Connecticut Democracy Center. For more information, visit historydayct.org.
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The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people of all ages with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their communities. With a broad range of initiatives including The Connecticut Network (CT-N), Connecticut’s Old State House, Connecticut History Day, Connecticut’s Kid Governor®, The Connecticut Democracy Center Debate Tournament, and We The People: The Citizen and The Constitution, The CTDC envisions a society where everyone is empowered to participate in our democracy. Learn more by visiting ctdemocracycenter.org and engaging on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.
PRESS RELEASE
June 9, 2025
CONTACT: Barbara Dell, Marketing Manager, Connecticut Democracy Center
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116 | barbara.dell@ctdemocracycenter.org