A dozen Wamsutta Middle School fifth graders topped more than 1,200 competitors to win the Collaboration Award at the One8 Applied Learning Student Showcase on Friday, May 9, at the New Balance Track in Boston. (Photo Courtesy Attleboro Public Schools)
ATTLEBORO — Superintendent David Sawyer and Principal Kevin Atkinson are pleased to share that a dozen Wamsutta Middle School fifth graders topped more than 1,200 competitors to win the Collaboration Award at the One8 Applied Learning Student Showcase.
On Friday, May 9, 12 students and three teachers participated in the competition at the New Balance Track in Boston.
The students presented their research projects on Civil Rights activists to more than 500 industry professionals.
In competition against more than 1,200 students participating from all over Massachusetts, Wamsutta’s 12 students won the prestigious Collaboration Award, which celebrates outstanding teamwork.
“Without a doubt, teamwork is a necessary skill that employers seek out in the job market today,” said Principal Atkinson. “Our students really showed how well they can work together. That skill will serve them well for the rest of their lives.”
The following students participated in the Applied Learning program at Wamsutta Middle School:
- Amara Cort
- Mia Addario
- Lyndon Bowen
- Andrew Gower
- Mike Sandoval
- Evelyn Sulham
- Declan Curry
- Hazel Zeoli
- Sadie Thompson
- Oliver Lemieux
- Juno Berlo
- Tavon Fernandez
To prepare for the showcase, students worked with partners to explore the connections between the Civil War, slavery, and present-day Civil Rights movements. Students analyzed historical documents, read stories and investigated the role of key figures in history.
They then designed a poster of their activist, which became part of a “Freedom Wall” — a collaborative, interactive mural with historical and modern-day connections to civil rights activism. Wamsutta students focused on “The Fight for Freedom” and identified how activism has evolved over time from the Civil War to the present.
As they investigated, several key themes emerged:
- Civil Rights and Freedom — Exploring how different historical figures and movements fought for freedom during and after the Civil War and how that fight continues today.
- The Role of Activism — Understanding how individuals and groups have led efforts to change societal norms.
- Empathy and Change — Gaining insight into the hardships of the enslaved and the persistence of civil rights activists.
“Partners eagerly shared some little-known fun facts about the activists they researched, and how the power of individuals helped shape and change the course of rights and freedoms that we enjoy today,” said Principal Atkinson. “Most importantly, students worked collaboratively to bring this freedom wall to life and spread a message of hope and unity.”
Ultimately, the Wamsutta Middle School fifth graders’ “Freedom Wall” impressed the judges and won the event’s Collaboration Award.
“Our school community could not be prouder of our Wamsutta Middle School students who explored history and brought it to life so vividly,” said Superintendent Sawyer. “Every stage of this project taught our students valuable lessons. Winning a prize was a fitting finale to their hard work and collaboration. Both educators and their fellow students can all learn from this amazing experience.”
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