Ardsley High School Student Recognized for Outstanding Research Project

Ardsley, NY –  Ardsley High School junior, Ellen Schoder was recognized as one of the top eight winners in the Student Research Awards Program run by the New York State Archives and the Archives Partnership Trust.   Her research paper, “Sounds of Hope and Glory: The Rise of American Women on the Home Front During World War II, “ explores the depth of female strength and patriotism during World War II by analyzing songs and documents of the era. 

A poster hanging in an Ardsley classroom advertising the award program caught Ellen’s eye and her journey began to create a research paper that reconstructed the past. Using lyrics, propaganda posters, government pamphlets, photographs, news articles and other sources as a lens, Ellen examined and analyzed women’s contributions on the home front.

“I always found it interesting when my grandma talked to me about the war and what my family experienced, “ said Ellen Schoder.  “Since I love music, I started with the songs of the time and continued looking into other interesting sources.”  

Ellen began the project in October 2012 by seeking a mentor in Ms. Tara Cassidy, a Social Studies teacher in Ardsley Schools.  Ellen and Ms. Cassidy met every Friday afternoon for 8 months until the paper was submitted in June 2013.

“Ellen is a motivated, self-directed student who went above and beyond in this effort,” said Ms. Cassidy.  “As a social studies teacher, it is so gratifying to see a student with an unparalleled passion for history and talent for research and writing.”

The Student Research Awards are presented annually to a student, or group of students, in New York State who have made an outstanding use of historical records by drawing on information from those records, and interpreting and integrating that information with creativity and imagination. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and integration of sources, as well as the accuracy, composition and creativity of the final product.

“I was really surprised and happy when I found out that my paper was recognized with Honorable Mention,” said Ellen.  “It was hard work but it was fun too because I was interested in the subject and it brought my grandma’s stories to life.” 

Increasing research skills is a focus within the Ardsley Schools District.  “We live in an information rich society and research is a skill needed throughout life.  But it’s broader than finding out a bunch of facts.  It’s creating the understanding of a subject through critical thinking, problem solving and analysis,” said Dr. Lauren Allan, Superintendent of Ardsley Schools. “We congratulate and are very proud of Ellen and Ms. Cassidy for their dedication and hard work.”