Schools
Segue Davis REACH Academy Students Earn Statewide Recognition at National History Day Competition
Award-winning student history projects showcase research, creativity, and project-based learning at Davis REACH Academy.
CENTRAL FALLS, RI — Students from Segue Institute for Learning's Davis REACH Academy earned statewide recognition at the Rhode Island National History Day State Competition held April 25th, marking a significant achievement for the school’s academic program.
For the first time since the school began participating in National History Day, multiple student groups received top honors at the state level.
One group of eighth-grade students - Emily Hidalgo, Franklin Pineda, Kate Urizar, and Briana Zuniga Castro - received a Special Award from the Rhode Island Historical Society for their project, “Faith Over Fear,” which examined Roger Williams and the founding of Rhode Island through the lens of religious freedom and courage in the face of persecution.
A second group of eighth-grade students - Reese Lourenco, Cristian Morales, and Dayana Zavala - earned second place in the state in the Middle School Group Exhibit category with their project "Funding the Future," securing a spot at the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C., this June. The students will represent Rhode Island alongside top projects from across the country.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, creativity, and determination of our students,” said Kevin Montoya, Davis REACH Academy principal. “They took on challenging historical topics, conducted meaningful research, and presented their work with confidence and insight. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.”
National History Day has become an important part of the school’s academic experience under the guidance of middle school humanities teacher John Rosenbaum, with student participation and success continuing to grow each year. The program encourages students to develop research, writing, analysis, and presentation skills while exploring historical topics connected to an annual national theme.
The accomplishment also reflects the school’s broader educational approach, which emphasizes project-based learning, interdisciplinary instruction, collaboration, and authentic assessment. Students regularly engage with real-world challenges that strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills while preparing them for future academic and professional success.
The achievement comes during an important chapter for the Segue Institute for Learning Public Charter School District, which recently announced the renaming of its K–8 campus as the Davis REACH Academy in honor of award-winning actor, advocate, and Central Falls native Viola Davis. The renaming recognizes Davis’s longstanding commitment to educational opportunity and the Central Falls community.
For more information about National History Day, visit https://nhd.org
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