Grayslake North Students Recognize Those Who Took a Stand in History

Three hundred Grayslake North High School students will compete this week in the school’s annual History Fair. Their projects honor people who took a stand in Chicago history.

Students choose topics and began their high-level research in the fall. They were encouraged to choose topics that relate to their own interests and areas they feel do not get enough attention in history.

Haley Leanna, a junior US History student, researched Emil Grubbe, a pioneer in radiation therapy who took a stand to help fight cancer in the early twentieth century.

“I wanted to research the history of breast cancer and early treatments,” said Leanna. “Like many others, someone I love has fought breast cancer. This project helped me to understand how one person can save millions of lives.”

Another junior US History student, Maddie Wilkinson, researched the story of Emmett Till and the impact his mother, Mamie Till, had on the Civil Rights Movement.

“I don’t feel like Ms. Till gets enough credit for her nonviolent actions against racism. Her actions helped spark the Civil Rights Movement that changed America,” said Wilkinson.

This year, community groups such as the Lake County Women’s Coalition, the Grayslake Historical Society and the Lake County Discovery Museum will send volunteer judges to represent their organizations and give feedback to students on their historical research.

“Having community members come to the school to celebrate and give feedback on student work makes this project more authentic,” says Emily Hinz, US History Teacher. “Students are proud to share their work and teach the community about a lesser known topic in history.”

Each year, GNHS has been fortunate enough to send students to the regional finals in Chicago, the state finals in Springfield, and even occasionally the national finals in College Park, MD. Projects advancing to the Regional Competition at Niles North on February 25 will be announced later this week.

The open house event will be held in the Grayslake North Library on Wednesday, February 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and February 9 and 10 from 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.

Come meet the students and view the projects at this year’s History Fair

Contact Jeff Schagrin, Associate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, for more information (jschagrin@d127.org) or 847-986-3175