This March, a group of 7th and 8th grade students at Sacred Heart School in Bayside participated in the local History Day competition held at the Museum of the City of New York. This group of students began preparing for this event last Spring by meeting with their teacher, MaryAnne Cooke, to develop their projects.

“The event at the museum is very impressive and the level of sophistication of the presentation is exceptional.  Additionally, this year, for the very first time, the coordinators of this event awarded an ‘Educator of the Year Award.’ The first recipient of this award for all of New York City is their very own Mrs. Cooke,” said Dennis Farrell, Principal at Sacred Heart School in Bayside.

Seven student groups participated in three categories for the History Day competition. The students who participated were Sydney Witkowski, Nicolas Fernandez, Michael Casey, Ryan Yavinsky, Lucas Gunkel, Michael Fuchs, Christina DeMeo, Macayle Fuchs, Athina Nikolaros, Frank Nicolosi, Savannah Sclafani, and Carine DeBenedittis. The entire school is happy to report that:

• Michael Casey and Ryan Yavinsky were in the top 6 group documentary presentations.
• Lucas Gunkel and Michael Fuchs were in the top 6 group documentary presentations.
• Christina DeMeo, Macayle Fuchs, and Athina Nikolaros scored third in their division.
• Frank Nicolosi was in the top 5 junior presentation boards.
• Savannah Sclafani and Carine DeBenedittis earned 2nd place in the junior performance division and will represent New York City in the New York State competition in Cooperstown, New York.In addition, Savannah and Carine also won the National Archives award which is the equivalent of the “best research” award.

“I am so impressed with the success of our students and the willingness of so many children to participate. I am also very thankful that our teacher, Mrs. Cooke, was acknowledged by Frederick A.O. Schwartz Children Center.  What a great day for Sacred Heart School!” said Dennis Farrell.

“The Educator of the Year Award is well deserved.  Mrs. Cooke’s passion for social studies and dedication to the students at Sacred Heart merits this honor and recognition.  The fact that this is the first year that the award was presented makes it even more special.   Year after year, she has guided the students to achieve honors at the New York City History Day competition.  But more importantly, Mrs. Cooke has instilled in her students a love of learning, a sense of confidence and challenged them to strive beyond traditional school work,” says Anthony Biscione, Senior Deputy Superintendent of Schools.

Sacred Heart School is a faith filled Catholic Community which is committed to the complete environment of its students’ Spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs. Their goal is to teach as Jesus did so that, in collaboration with the parents and the parish community, we blend Catho1ic Values with modern society.  For more information about Sacred Heart Catholic School in Bayside, please visit www.sacredheartbayside.org.