By Lisa Carolin
Twelve Beach Middle School students were honored at an awards ceremony on May 14 in Detroit for winning the statewide social studies competition, the Michigan Social Studies Olympiad XXX.
For all eighth-grade Honors students at Beach, competing at one or more events is part of their grade.
“Though it is a social studies event, many of the choices are actually language arts in nature and offer a chance to flex their creative muscles,” explained Beach teacher Kathryn McCalla. “I think our students win because they are prepared across the board and have a good sense of what quality work is.”
McCalla cited an example of students analyzing political cartoons at Beach, a skill they used at the Olympiad.
“While we were very pleased they swept this category, we were not surprised!” she added. “Our newscast winners had experience with iMovie along with interest and background in World War II era events.”
Close to 30 secondary schools were cited at the competition, and McCalla says she is proud of the Beach Middle School students.
The 2016 Olympiad Intermediate Winners are listed below
Current Events Editorial Essay
Honorable Mention: Drew Boughton
Digital Photography
Silver Medal: Emily Soriano
Historical TV Newscast
Gold Medal: Beach Middle School, Chelsea School District
Riordan Krause, Emily Soriano, Abigail Robbins, Olivia Olk, Morgan Kurth
Photojournalism
Bronze Medal: Leah Burgess
Honorable Mention: Greta Coyl
Political Cartoons
Gold Medal: Alex Lewis
Silver Medal: Dominik Green
Bronze Medal: Madison Kate Brodeur
