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Aumua Welcomes American Samoan Students for National History Day Contest

June 19, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, "I could not be more proud of these young people who are in Washington representing our islands. Their work and dedication to their crafts is a shining example for all of our young people and I look forward to them sharing their work with the nation," stated Amata.

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Aumua with National History Day Students

Congresswoman Aumua Amata with Fuatino Leleo Solaita, Leone Ripley Ulu, Morgan Ulu, Leusumanu Chrichton, Demetrius Falefia and
Dr. Ekitoa Sopoaga in her Washington, DC Office

Every year, National History Day (NHD) frames students' research within a historical theme. The theme is chosen for the broad application to world, national or state history and its relevance to ancient history or to the more recent past. This year's theme is Leadership and Legacy in History. The intentional selection of the theme for NHD is to provide an opportunity for students to push past the antiquated view of history as mere facts and dates and drill down into historical content to develop perspective and understanding. The NHD theme also provides a focused way to increase students' historical understanding by developing a lens to read history, an organizational structure that helps students place information in the correct context and finally, the ability to see connections over time.

This year, over 3,000 students from around the world advanced to the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest in College Park, MD. The judges carefully reviewed student projects and provided feedback about what they did well and how they can improve. NHD is about the journey and while they recognize students who have excelled at the highly competitive national level, students who participate at any level develop communication and critical thinking skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Morgan Ulu from Samoa Baptist Academy, who was representing American Samoa in the Junior Division in the Individual Performance Category, won the award for "Outstanding State Entry", for her piece entitled, "Nafanua the Samoan Goddess of War".

"Again, I would like to congratulate Leusumanu Chrichton and Demetrius Falefia from Leone High School and Morgan Ulu from Samoa Baptist Academy. Each of them did a fantastic job and we should all thank them for representing our islands in such a stellar fashion," said Amata. "I would also like to thank Rev. Dr. Ekitoa Sopoaga and the American Samoa Humanities Council, who sponsor this wonderful event for our students," concluded Amata.

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Issues:Education