Chicago's Juarez High School wins School of the Year Award during annual Illinois History Expo

SPRINGFIELD - Chicago's Benito Juarez High School was named National History Day Illinois School of the Year during the annual Illinois History Expo held May 8 in Springfield.

"The Juarez program is an example of what studying Illinois history should be like, motivating students in ways that profoundly affect their lives, and encouraging them to discover their precious heritage," said Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) Director Jan Grimes. The Agency sponsors Expo in cooperation with the Chicago Metro History Education Center.

Sharon Marzano is the teacher who heads up the Juarez history program, with the guidance of master teacher Al Moy. The school, born out of a community struggle to address the educational needs of a largely Mexican-American population, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Participation in students "doing history" through the Chicago Metro History Fair and the Illinois History Expo has played an important role in the school's history program. Leadership from the administration and enthusiastic cooperation of the school's librarians have kept the program strong for nearly 20 years.

More than 1,400 junior and senior high school students from across the state participated in the May 8 Expo. The students were winners selected during regional history fairs held earlier this year.

The regional fairs and the Illinois History Expo are coordinated by the IHPA's Education Services Program, which also publishes the on-line student history magazine Illinois History, and Illinois History Teacher, which contains teaching materials. For more information on the program, visit www.Illinois-History.gov.