We are celebrating the incredible academic achievements of two of our middle school students, Phinley B. and Riya B., who both took on the rigorous challenge of National History Day (NHD) projects. This global program invites students to dive deep into historical research, developing advanced skills in communication, project management, and critical thinking that go far beyond the standard classroom experience.
Phinley B. made history herself as BMOS’s first-ever National History Day participant! Competing in the Sarasota County regional contest, Phinley’s scholarly dedication earned her 2nd Place in her category and a spot at the State Competition.
Beyond the competition circuit, Phinley’s work received a prestigious honors invitation. In early May, her documentary, “Propaganda Uncovered: How World War II Propaganda Impacted Gender Roles,” was featured at the Historic Capitol Museum as part of the Florida History Day Open House Showcase.
Museum of Florida History staff selected Phinley’s project as one of a select few to be highlighted for its strong ties to American History. This showcase was held in special celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, placing Phinley’s research at the center of a milestone national commemoration.
The Research: Impact and Insight
Phinley’s project explores the hidden psychology behind World War II propaganda. By linking the “father of public relations,” Edward Bernays, to the recruitment of iconic figures like Rosie the Riveter, Phinley’s research reveals how the U.S. government used a sophisticated “play on ego” to revolutionize gender roles. Her project argues that while these changes were meant to be temporary, they created a permanent “crack in the door” for occupational equality, sparking a domino effect of social reformation that still resonates today.
We also recognize the stellar research of Riya B., who completed an intensive NHD project titled “The Food Pyramid.” While Riya was unable to attend the regional competition due to family travel commitments, the depth and quality of her work deserve high praise.
Riya’s paper investigates the 1992 USDA Food Guide Pyramid, reframing it as a “landmark communication revolution” rather than a scientific one. Her research exposes the fundamental conflict of interest within the USDA, as it balances the needs of the commercial food industry with public health guidance. Riya’s project argues that this political compromise contributed to the obesity epidemic and contends that true nutritional reform requires an independent authority guided strictly by evidence-based science.
We are so proud of both girls for their intellectual curiosity and for representing BMOS with such excellence on the local, state, and national stage.
