Senior Bryce Nowicki has been selected by the Whitehall Historical Society as the History Student of the Year.
“I had a lot of excitement. There are obviously a lot of smart kids in the school, so just being the one that is chosen is truly an honor,” Nowicki said.
This award is given to the top senior history student who lives in Whitehall Borough, as chosen by the high school’s social studies teachers.
His father was able to guide him and help him to be a good history student, Nowicki said.
“On a personal level, I have to give credit to my dad. He is big on history too, and he supports my love for it.”
Nowicki also thanked the teachers he has had throughout high school who have helped to guide him.
I have to give credit, of course, to all my history teachers,” he said. “They pushed me to do my best, which allowed me to win this award.”
Social studies teacher Kathleen Temme said the social studies department works together on the award process.
“Our whole department gets together and nominates a student that we think is the most deserving of this award,” Temme said.
Temme and the department agreed that Nowicki would be an excellent recipient.
“Bryce has taken almost every single one of our social studies classes, and he has done extremely well,” Temme said. “He has an aptitude for it. He has a lot of ideas. He is very opinionated, but at the same time, he has a lot of evidence to back up his beliefs. He is also a very good argumentative writer and speaker.”
Social studies teacher Richard Deemer is a board member at the Whitehall Historical Society. He thinks the award is a win for both the society and the student.
“I think it gets the student’s name out there, and it shows that the society is invested in the community, and of course, it is great to help a young person who thrives in history also,” Deemer said.
Nowicki received a $500 scholarship. The historical society also donated copies of The Year That Made America: From Rebellion to Independence, 1775-1776 by Tom McMillan.
In addition to his interest in history, Nowicki is also a member of National Honor Society and the math league, and he helps out the baseball and basketball teams. He is planning to attend Kent State to pursue an education in Business Economics.
