Benjamin Dong has been awarded first place in the high school division by the New Jersey Council for the Social Studies for his exceptional contributions to social studies education.
His achievements in the areas of maps, leadership with the History Club, and his insightful paper on the Global South and African culture were highly valued by the NJCSS in their selection process.
Why it matters: Recognizing students like Benjamin highlights the importance of motivation, leadership, and scholarship in education.
What they’re saying: As my student and teaching assistant in AP Human Geography, Ben has consistently impressed me with his knowledge. This award not only highlights Ben's achievements in the classroom, which are exemplary, but also his general dedication to understanding the far away places of our world and the people who live there. His ability to think spatially with both qualitative and quantitative data is far and beyond what would be expected of a typical high school student, and this has helped him develop a deep understanding about the diversity of the human experience across time and space.” -Daniel Willever, High School Social Studies teacher and History Club advisor
By the numbers: With a membership of 1,600, the NJCSS acknowledges Benjamin's dedication to social studies, preparing students for active roles in their communities and colleges.
What’s next: The award will be presented publicly, celebrating Benjamin's leadership and engagement alongside his family, teachers, and peers. Ben will be extending his passion for social studies when he pursues a degree in Geography at Rowan University next year.
Go deeper: Visit njcss.org for more details on other recognized students and their schools.
