BY DESIREE PICAZO/ PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHERINE TONG

Six WCHS students will be moving forward to compete at state level in Riverside after winning awards in History Day LA, held at Azusa Pacific University.

West Covina High School took 32 students with different projects to the national competition based on the theme of “Rights and Responsibilities.”  They had the choice of creating a historical research paper, website, documentary, live performance, or an exhibit that related to the theme. One important aspect of a winning piece is the usage of primary sources, as facts and credibility are a significant component of any informational project.

A team of five juniors-Katherine Tong, Shelly Dieu, Meggy Huynh, Michael Quintero, and Julie Vu-won the Ronald Reagan Award for their exhibit on President Truman during World War One. They incorporated technology and different viewpoints on the rights and responsibilities that President Truman had on dropping the Hiroshima bomb. This is the second time this team will be going to state competition and they are determined to reach nationals this year.

“We just know that we can improve from last year because we actually have time and it’s a really great experience. We’re proud of our work,” said Tong.

First timer, sophomore Christian Gomez, also won an award on his individual website created on the Mexican Revolution. He focused on how the revolution impacted the rights and responsibilities of peasants in that time. He was encouraged by his history teacher, Samuel Sanford, and will go on to compete at the state level.

“I’m very proud of all the students who participated. It allows them to do something with history besides answer questions or write an essay,” said Sanford.

The state competition will be held April 26 and the winners will proceed to the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland.