Hillsborough Students Compete At National History Contest

COLLEGE PARK, MD — Two Hillsborough students are joining kids from across the country Monday at the National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland. Nitya Balasubramanian and Ritija Bhargava, both sixth graders, are competing in the finals.

Their exhibit is titled "Spanish Invasion of the Americas: Tragedy and Triumph of a Continent." It's named in line with the theme, "Triumph and Tragedy," up against other documentaries, websites, performances and more.

The exhibit explores the destruction of the Mayan, Aztec and Incan civilizations by Spanish conquistadors and how their destruction changed history, a release from the school says.

Balasubramanian and Bhargava are both students at Auten Road Intermediate School.

The two girls' hard work paid off May 4 at William Paterson University where they won the award for the top entry in the state.

Partnered with the kids are National History Day Club Advisors Pat Sellar and Nancy Patrick.

"We are so delighted that Nitya and Ritija are representing Auten Road Intermediate School and Hillsborough Township Public Schools at the National event this year," Sellar said of the team.

"They have both worked hard this year delving into their topic and certainly deserve this honor," Patrick said.