University Liggett School students excel at Grosse Pointe History Day
University Liggett School students earned top honors at the 2025 Grosse Pointe History Day, with multiple winning entries across all categories. This year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” inspired students to explore the historical significance of rights, freedoms, and the responsibilities tied to them, challenging them to think critically about the past and present.
"We are incredibly proud of our students' dedication and the creativity they demonstrated in bringing history to life through their projects," said Chris Hemler, Cynthia N. Ford Chair of History and the Social Studies at ULS. "The students' thoughtful exploration of the theme ‘Rights and Responsibilities in History’ not only reflects their deep understanding of historical events but also their ability to connect those events to contemporary issues. Their hard work truly stands out, and we look forward to seeing many of them continue their journey to the District 10 competition."
The winning entries from University Liggett School included projects in documentary, exhibit, website, and performance categories. The school was particularly well represented, with 12 of the 13 recognized entries coming from University Liggett students.
Winning projects included:
- Junior Individual Exhibit: Maya Kropp - There is Space for Everyone in Space
- Senior Individual Exhibit: Liliana Haladjian - Unequal Rights in the Criminal Justice System
- Junior Group Exhibit (Tie): Alexandra Spain and Amelia Mitchell - Votes for Women; Charlotte Dickey, Olivia Robinson, Bebe Noecker, Malena Moisides, Cala Coyro - Bob-Lo's Low
- Senior Group Exhibit: Landon Wysocki, Brady Ancona, Sam Van Culin, Billy Mansfield - Brown v. Board of Education, From Segregation to Integration
- Youth Individual Documentary: Elliott Hemler - Akin Holloway and the Responsibilities of Freedom
- Junior Individual Documentary: Alexander Gruenburg - History of NADCP and the Drug Court Movement
- Junior Group Documentary: Calum McCracken, Hazen Mazzenga, Brendan Sime - The First Fox War
- Senior Group Documentary: Liam Ferguson, Joseph Harris, Cameron Stapleton - The Evolution of Indigenous Rights and Laws in America
- Youth Individual Website: Phoebe Hemler - Stubbs the Cat: Rights and Responsibilities of Local Government
- Junior Group Website: Jack Blue, Michael Melhem, Rocco Vesperini, Martin Krall - Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
- Senior Individual Performance: Ava Noecker - Solitaire
The top entries from each category will receive a monetary award, and second- and third-place projects are invited to compete at the District 10 competition at the Detroit Historical Museum on March 1st. All participants will also receive certificates to recognize their hard work and contributions.