East Orange STEM Academy Students Achieve National Recognition at National History Day Competition

The East Orange School District is thrilled to announce that a talented team of 9th-grade students from East Orange STEM Academy has earned a prestigious National Award in Research at the highly competitive National History Day competition. The event, held at the University of Maryland at College Park on June 12th, 2025, saw the students represent the state of New Jersey in the Senior Division: Group Performance category.

The winning team, comprised of Nasir Anderson, Maya Tonic, Khadijah Waggeh, Kaliyah Washington, and Musa Wittingburg, was recognized for their outstanding research utilizing "Chronicling America," a digital collection of historical newspapers. Their dedication to historical inquiry and compelling group performance captivated the national judges, bringing significant acclaim to their school and community.

"We are incredibly proud of these young scholars for their exceptional achievement at the National History Day competition," said Ms. Tracey Prince of the East Orange STEM Academy History Department, who mentored the students. "Their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to uncovering and presenting history exemplify the spirit of academic excellence we foster at East Orange STEM Academy."

This national recognition is a testament to the students' rigorous research skills, collaborative teamwork, and ability to present complex historical narratives engagingly. Their journey included a special presentation at the Smithsonian, further highlighting the depth and impact of their work. The students' success was also greatly aided by their interview with Judge Nidara Rourk, whom they had previously met during Career Day at STEM, and the invaluable input of Ms. Patricia Hurt, a STEM teacher who utilized her experience as a Prosecutor to help the students refine their court scene within their performance.

The East Orange School District extends its sincerest congratulations to Nasir Anderson, Maya Tonic, Khadijah Waggeh, Kaliyah Washington, Musa Wittingburg, and their dedicated mentor, Ms. Tracey Prince, for this monumental accomplishment. Their success serves as an inspiration to all aspiring historians and researchers within the district.

About the East Orange School District

The East Orange School District is committed to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. With a focus on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement, the district strives to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for every student.