The Illinois State History Fair Exposition is sacred around Mount Carmel, perhaps because of the involvement of our very own Ms. Maryhelen Matijevic. Matijevic, the current Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, brought the annual competition to Mount Carmel many years ago, and has mentored many successful projects. This history of success gives the students a little extra motivation every year to have a strong showing.  This year, six students are moving on to the state finals.

The theme for this year’s History Fair was “Encounter, Exploration, and Exchange,” which is exactly what the students displayed.  They all chose topics that successfully explored the central theme, guaranteeing them some level of success.

Two of the six advancing students submitted exhibits, more specifically tri-fold posters, with their chosen topic.  Jacob Jauregui researched the Columbian Exposition while Julian Razo picked the combination of Brotherhood, Union, Middle Class, and Civil Rights. Razo in particular spent hours perfecting his board. “It was very tedious work and took a long time, but I felt accomplished when it was finally done.”

The other four students submitted research papers that had to pass numerous levels of grading before reaching the state finals.  They first had to clear AP US History teacher Jeff Enright and Matijevic.  Once this process was complete, the papers moved on to the first round of state qualifying.  The students were encouraged to edit and rewrite certain parts to improve their already superior papers.

The first revision process was grueling for some, including Patrick Kaminski, who did his paper on the 1860 Republican National Convention.  “Revisions were not fun for me, since I had already spent so much time perfecting my paper.”  But in the end, these revisions helped Kaminski advance through the round.

Justice Delli Bovi also turned in a research paper with the topic of The Negative Effects of the Haymarket Affair on the Labor Movement, while Sean Farrell wrote about The Creation of the Chicago Board of Sewerage Commission.  

Nolan Panepinto advanced through the first round with his exploration of The 1919 Chicago Race Riots: Chicago’s Influence on a National Adversary. Panepinto loved the whole process, especially his progress as a writer.  “The entire event taught me how to critically read my own papers and then improve upon them.”  This was a common theme among the participants who all were glad they made it to state.

No matter what the results of the competition may be, all students have enjoyed their experience.  For Nolan Panepinto, the whole journey was something “I won’t soon forget.”