HCS Student and Teacher Represent Georgia at Inaugural Young People’s Continental Congress in Philadelphia
HENRY COUNTY, GA – Ola High School student Madelyn Reardanz and Ola Middle School eighth-grade Social Studies Teacher Zachary Barfield were selected to attend the first Young People’s Continental Congress (YPCC) in Philadelphia this summer.
Carpenters’ Company, owners and operators of Carpenters’ Hall, hosted the event in partnership with nonprofit education organization National History Day (NHD).
Carpenters’ Hall, home of America’s First Continental Congress in 1774, facilitated daily plenary sessions that served to model how the founding fathers similarly convened in establishing the nation. Delegate sessions allowed the specially invited teachers and high school sophomores to discuss the original Congress, the founding fathers’ legacy, and their enduring impact.
The student-teacher teams, representing the 13 original colonies with an additional delegation from Philadelphia, benefited from an immersive experience at Carpenters’ Hall and VIP tours of other historic and cultural sites.
“I loved participating in behind-the-scenes tours of the different museums and historic sites in Philadelphia,” Reardanz said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m thankful I was chosen to be a part of the inaugural Young People’s Continental Congress.”
During the weeklong experience, participants learned more about the American Revolution, the country’s early history, and the storied events that led to the penning of the Declaration of Independence.
“I was honored to be one out of 14 students in the nation chosen to be a part of this program,” Reardanz said. “I was so excited when the time finally came to meet everyone in Philadelphia. I enjoyed learning from college history professors, and I also enjoyed the conversations with students and teachers during Q&A sessions.”
Barfield has been a part of the NHD program for 10 years, and his in-depth knowledge and passion for history have successfully prepared middle and high school students from HCS for the organization’s programs and contests.
Reardanz has been participating in NHD events for the past three years, winning her first NHD Georgia State Contest as an eighth-grader and placing in the top five of state and national competitions since.
Now an 11th-grade student, Reardanz’s passion for exploring America’s history and engaging in friendly debates about the country’s future has not waned. She was also among eight HCS students selected for the student historical research showcase at the NHD Contest in June, placing fourth in the nation for her Senior Individual Exhibit, titled “Maynard for Mayor.”
YPCC provided Reardanz another occasion to meet and engage with like-minded history enthusiasts and learn from her peers. She also enjoyed opportunities for recreational activities that did not entail an academic focus. Reardanz played a role in breaking the ice when the students first met by providing card games, which helped them to learn about each other.
“Students from different walks of life met in person for the first time after months of online learning,” Barfield said. “Despite their diverse experiences and backgrounds, these high school students were able to share their views, reflect on the perspectives of others, and ultimately learn through this process. From in-depth lessons to exploring primary sources that were hundreds of years old, they received a first-class educational opportunity that has evolved their understanding of America.”
“Events such as those offered by NHD enrich students academically and give them a sense of purpose,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “HCS is proud to offer students a comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular options that create a pathway toward such opportunities. Traveling to where our democracy took form undoubtedly brought history to life, and I am proud Madelyn and Mr. Barfield were selected to be a part of such an incredible program.”
The Carpenters’ Company, with NHD as the lead partner, collaborated with other civic and history organizations to present YPCC in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress.
About Henry County Schools
Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 53 schools and located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past two decades, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000.
HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.
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