East Williston students advance to national history competition

East Williston students are bringing their history research to the national stage.

Several students from the East Williston Union Free School District have achieved outstanding recognition at the New York State National History Day Competition, earning top awards and qualifying to compete at the national level.

Representing both Willets Road School and The Wheatley School, four students received honors for their exceptional research and historical analysis:

• Lili Parness, a seventh grader, earned second place in the Junior Individual Performance category for her project, “Clara Lemlich: Justice for Laborers.”
• Darius Ilkhani, a seventh grader, earned second place in the Junior Research Paper category for “Rights Violated, Responsibilities Ignored: The Armenian Genocide.”
• Sunidhi Ajerma, a sophomore, earned second place in the Senior Individual Performance category for “The Stewardess Rebellion: Fighting for Rights; Redefining Responsibilities.”
• Saira Chabria, a junior, earned first place in the Senior Research Paper category for “Annexation of Hawaii: American Impositions on Hawaiian Rights and Sovereignty.”

These students will represent the district at the National History Day competition, held at the University of Maryland, College Park, from June 8 to 12. They will join the nation’s top young scholars on a prestigious stage.

“New York State History Day is designed for middle and high school students who have demonstrated excellence at the regional level—specifically Long Island History Day—and are prepared to share their work on a broader platform,” Director of Social Studies Erica Messier said. “It benefits students by offering an opportunity to engage in original historical inquiry, collaborate with peers statewide, and further develop critical academic and civic skills.”

Throughout the process, the students were supported by Willets Road teacher Pat Shanahan and The Wheatley School library and media specialist Jonathan Kyriacou.

As a qualifier for National History Day, the New York State competition represents the third stage in a highly selective academic journey. To reach this level, the students first achieved top honors at the East Williston History Fair before advancing through the Long Island History Day regional contest.

“The purpose of the event is to cultivate a deep understanding of historical inquiry through student-driven research, critical analysis, and creative presentation,” Messier said. “It promotes scholarly excellence, amplifies student voice, and offers a gateway to national recognition, all while deepening civic awareness and reinforcing the enduring relevance of history in contemporary society.”

The district said participation in New York State History Day fostered not only academic achievement but also personal growth. The students demonstrated resilience, refined their work through judge feedback, and presented their findings clearly.