Young Family Historians Essay Contest 2025 hero
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Young Family Historians Essay Contest 2025 hero
Young Family Historians Essay Contest 2025
Congratulations to our 2025 Winners
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Young Family Historians Essay Contest. Participants were asked to describe a challenge their ancestors had faced as well as how they overcame it. Each essay was judged on their research process, supporting evidence, originality, and quality of writing.
Grades 4-6
Winner: Neel Sood, Grade 5, Hillside Intermediate School, Bridgewater, NJ
Semifinalist: Leonardo Shen, Grade 5, Germantown Academy, Lansdale, PA
Grades 7-8
Winner: Zoe Li, Grade 8, Great Neck Middle School, Great Neck, NY
Semifinalist: Benjamin Ahumada, Grade 8, Boston Latin School, Boston, MA
Grades 9-12
Winner: Colsen Nguyen, Grade 11, Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, CA
Semifinalist: Paul Sparacello, Grade 11, Jesuit High School of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Neel Sood
Hillside Intermediate School, Bridgewater, NJ
Winner, Grade 5
“Researching [my grandfather’s] life has empowered me to stand up to bullies. I know that with perseverance and the power of my mind, I can overcome any obstacle. Just like my grandfather, I too can achieve my full potential and reach my destiny. I know this because part of him lives within me.”
Leonardo Shen
Germantown Academy, Lansdale, PA
Semifinalist, Grade 5
"This is the story of Wang Guowei, my great-great-grandfather. He started as an ordinary man and transformed into a historical and influential figure. His life teaches us that no matter how difficult a challenge is, it can be overcome with determination and perseverance. His journey inspires me to stay resilient, pursue knowledge, and make a positive impact in the world."
Zoe Li
Great Neck South Middle School, Great Neck, NY
Winner, Grade 8
"As time passes and life becomes easier, people tend to become insensitive towards their ancestors since there are no common problems to bind them together. … However, sharing our backstories, struggles, and emotions can create a bond that passes the test of time. … [My grandpa] has gone through countless challenges and given us the gift of resiliency. I am thankful that I call this person ”Grandpa.”"
Benjamin Ahumada
Boston Latin School, Boston, MA
Semifinalist, Grade 8
"[My] great-great grandfather’s story has helped me to understand resilience and perseverance. His journey from wealth to devastation and back to success has taught me that even when everything seems lost, we can endure and rebuild. What impacts me most is how he transformed tragedy into opportunity, not just for himself but for his family including those of us he never met."
Colsen Nguyen
Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, CA
Winner, Grade 11
"[My grandmother] was twice a refugee, starting over when she was ten and again with a young family. My family arrived in America with nothing, and with the help from the church, they worked hard to overcome challenges in a new country and led a successful life. … As I reflect about my family‘s past, I will continue to serve refugee communities with the confirmed knowledge that a little assistance can have a lasting impact."
Paul Sparacello
Jesuit High School of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Semifinalist: Grade 11
"I sometimes wonder what [my great-great-grandfather, Sebastiano Sparacello] would think of me, four generations later, living a life so different from the one he lived back in Sicily, a life that is only possible because he swallowed his fears and sailed across the ocean all by himself. I think he would be proud, and I think he would be glad that he got on that boat."
