Congratulations to Deer Lakes junior Melanie Brown and freshmen Adam Duffy and Caden Taylor who earned first place in the National History Day Regional Competition at the Heinz History Center!

They competed in the Senior Group Exhibit category and will advance in April to the National History Day State Competition.

Their project centered on how Dr. Harvey Wiley "detoxified" America's food through his advocacy for the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. They practiced their presentation and answered peer questions about their project in preparation for the competition.

“I thought it was very beneficial for us to get an idea of what judges might ask us,” Adam said. “The judges even asked us some of the questions that our classmates did, and I felt that helped us do well.”

Adam and Caden competed on the same National History Day team last year in Middle School, and Melanie Brown partnered with Sydney Maksin to win states last year.

“Given that Adam and I worked together last year, it made this year a really smooth transition,” Caden said. “Having Melanie in the equation with her experience and her knowledge of the project, the rulebook and understanding what the judges are looking for made it even easier for Adam and I to prepare.”

“I think we each bring unique skills to the group that helped us do so well,” Melanie added. “Adam and Caden stepped up in their own ways. Everyone is always really helpful toward each other and that goes a long way in doing the best that we can.”

The team’s goal is to win states and qualify for nationals.

“We’re pumped,” Adam said. “We may make a few changes between now and states. We’ll hopefully have the same result as regionals.”