Riverside student places first at National History Day

Riverside Polytechnic High School junior Ryan Williams- French played four roles in his quick-change depiction of Civil Rights era personalities to win the nation’s top honor in his category in the 2007 National History Day competition.

Ryan’s project was one of three entries from California to finish first in the competition.

The 16-year-old won the Senior Individual Performance prize at the University of Maryland last June. He spent two months preparing to play the roles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, among others, and spent his own money to buy period clothing and props.

National History Day spokesman Mark Robinson said Ryan’s performance “was incredible. It had all the historical qualities, but he’s a tremendous performer. He made the story of Martin Luther King come alive.”

(All event winners, including Science Fair and History Day, are listed on the RCOE Web site, Student Events headlines page.)