St. Ben's student advances to National History Day contest

Clara Rooney and Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie at the finals of the National History Day State Contest

A student at St. Benedict School in Decorah, Clara Rooney, is heading to the University of Maryland in June for the National History Day national championships.

Clara was one of 66 students to take top honors at Iowa's state championships for National History Day.  She will now move on to the 2017 National History Day Contest June 11t to the 15th at the University of Maryland.
 
National History Day is a year-long academic enrichment program that challenges students to research, develop and present papers, exhibits, documentaries, websites and performances about historical issues, ideas, people and events related to an annual theme. This year's theme is "Taking a Stand in History."
 
Rooney's presentation was titled, "Dorothea Dix: Taking a Stand as a Proponent for the Mentally Ill."  She was helped by her teacher, Patty Lien.