Simsbury HS Students Examine Asian Americans' Experience In Multimedia Project

SIMSBURY, CT — Students at Simsbury High School are launching a regional oral history and documentary initiative examining Asian American identity, belonging, and resilience, with plans to present their work at a public event in May.

The project, “Make Us Count,” pairs students with Simsbury Community Media to research community history, conduct interviews, and produce podcasts and documentary segments focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences.

Developed by Simsbury High English teacher Michelle Henry, the initiative supports Connecticut’s upcoming Asian American and Pacific Islander studies requirement through a course offered in partnership with the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience program. Students in the class study how public policy and cultural narratives shape lived experiences.

On Feb. 2, students visited Simsbury Community Media for a studio tour and media workshop led by Production Manager Keith Bress and Associate Producer Cole Manasia, a Simsbury High alumnus. The session included training in interview techniques, production skills, and oral history ethics. School media specialist Mike McKenna also assisted.

The project received partial funding from a McGowan Grant, which paid for professional podcast equipment.

As part of their research, students conducted and recorded an interview with Simsbury High alumna and debut novelist Alice Li.

The interview, available through Simsbury Community Media, explores Li’s writing journey and the role storytelling plays in shaping identity and belonging.

For some in the community, Li’s return to the studio carried symbolic weight. A decade ago, Simsbury residents organized a benefit concert at Eno Hall to support her recovery after a serious injury.

Now a graduate of the University of Connecticut and an emerging novelist, Li returned to share her story with current students.

Li writes romantic comedies featuring BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) protagonists. Her debut novel, Wrong Order, is scheduled for release this spring. The conversation with Li marks the first in a series of student-conducted oral histories highlighting voices from the community.

“When we learn about different histories and lived experiences, it challenges assumptions and builds empathy,” said Dhriti Mallavarapu, a Simsbury High student involved in the project. “That kind of education can shape how we treat others.”

Henry said engaging with firsthand narratives strengthens students’ analytical and civic skills.

“When students engage directly with lived experiences, it strengthens their ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, and build more inclusive communities,” she said.

Student projects will culminate in a public Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month program on May 22 at Simsbury High School. The event will include a screening of the student documentary and a moderated conversation with author Celeste Ng.

Students said they were inspired to invite Ng after reading her novel Everything I Never Told You, which prompted classroom discussions about teen mental health and pressures to belong.

In advance of the event, the Simsbury Public Library plans to host both in-person and virtual community book discussions of Ng’s work. Simsbury Community Media will broadcast the documentary and cover the May program.

The afternoon portion of the event will bring educators from across the region together for professional learning sessions focused on implementing Connecticut’s new AAPI studies requirement.

Community partners include Simsbury Community Media, the Simsbury Public Library, the University of Connecticut Early College Experience Asian American Studies program, the Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut, and several collaborating school districts.

Henry launched the statewide UConn Early College Experience Asian American Studies program three years ago in partnership with the university’s Asian American Studies department. The curriculum has been featured in Education Week and is designed to help schools meet the state’s new requirement while expanding representation of Asian American history and experiences in classrooms.