By Eddie Jimenez
The Fresno Bee
FRESNO — A 15-year-old Buchanan High (Fresno) student earned a fourth-place finish and a $5,000 college scholarship at the National History Day competition in Baltimore earlier this month.
Robyn Young, who will begin her sophomore year at Buchanan in August, placed fourth out of nearly 80 high school students in the senior individual performance category June 12-16.
Her presentation on the Armenian genocide – “Debating the Armenian Question: Diplomatic Successes, Failures and Consequences” – was chosen as the Outstanding Entry on an International Theme, earning her the scholarship sponsored by the History Channel.
Robyn’s 10-minute presentation in front of three judges and an audience – followed by judges’ questions – was nerve-racking, but also energizing, she said.
“I was pretty nervous at first, but once I got going, it was fun and I enjoyed performing and telling everyone about the Armenian genocide,” she said.
This was Robyn’s first trip to the National History Day contest after advancing from the Fresno County competition to the state finals five of the past six years, she said.
In addition to receiving preparation help from Buchanan High teachers Suzanne Streeter and Tina teNyenhuis, Robyn exchanged letters with former U.S. Sen. Robert Dole, a supporter of resolutions to recognize the Armenian genocide, to research her topic.
“It was cool to hear back from him,” Robyn said.
Read more: http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/06/28/2445561/buchanan-student-4th-at-national.html#ixzz1QnpY6d7K
