By Karen Neill
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From Aug. 8 to 15, Social Studies teacher Amy Boehning was in Denver, Colo., accepting recognition for her career-long efforts in expanding National History Day (NHD), receiving $1,000 and a position as a Kenneth E. Behring NHD Ambassador.
“I’m excited. I really love the program. I love what History Day does for students,” said Boehning, “It’s not all about the competition and even with being an ambassador, it’s not about going out and having people compete against one another. It’s about helping teachers teach, to help reach students, to teach writing, to teach critical thinking skills. And that’s what I want to spread.”
This new position, established by NHD supporter and philanthropist Kenneth E. Behring, came to be while he was writing his book “The Road to Leadership,” inspiring his program to turn teachers into educational leaders. “What (Behring) wanted to do was he wanted to create teacher leaders,” said Boehning, “So they started this new program award where they selected 30 teachers, some from high school, some from intermediate and some from elementary school.” Social Studies teacher Amy Perruso added, “Because teachers have a lot on their plate and to introduce a new project or even to attempt to teach their students how to write a historical research paper, for some teachers that’s a daunting task. But she and Mrs. Tong worked together to develop a curriculum that really breaks it down in a way that’s approachable and manageable for students.”
Boehning’s 20 years of teaching and lasting dedication to the program has given her the opportunity to meet more students and teachers than thought possible, providing the experience needed for an ambassador. “I have worked with over 2,000 students and that’s just within my class,” said Boehning, “I’ve worked with other students. I’ve gone to Molokai and worked with those students. I’ve gone to the Big Island and worked with those students. I worked with teachers.” She added, “(It makes me feel) accomplished as a teacher. (Our) goal is to help students learn, and to be able to reach that many students and see what the students have accomplished afterwards, that’s the amazing part.” Hawaii History Day State Coordinator Jane Murao explained, “She goes above and beyond to help her students, fellow teachers and our program overall. She is always so generous with her knowledge and classroom materials.”
Boehning is thankful for all the support that MHS has provided her with. “I couldn’t do this if it wasn’t for my fellow social studies teachers,” explained Boehning, “We work together. I can only do so much within my realm, but being with them on campus and working with them to do the fair and to continue this program, what they do allows me to go out and expand and do more.”
Although Boehning has already provided support to many different students, teachers and schools in many different states, her new position as Kenneth E. Behring NHD Ambassador will give her the opportunity to reach out to more people than ever while promoting this student competition.
