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Caden F., a fifth-grade student at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, has made waves in the academic world by clinching third place at the recent regional level of the International Academic Competitions History Bee! His outstanding performance has earned him a ticket to the highly anticipated National History Bee in Orlando, Florida.

When asked about how he stumbled upon the competition, Caden credited his teacher, Mr. McClure, for introducing him to the opportunity. “Mr. McClure told me about it,” Caden explained. “We went on the computer and did a little pre-test, and it said even if you get half the questions right, it's really good! I got 40/50 questions right.”

The road to success wasn't without its challenges. Caden, a participant in HBHA’s LAUNCH program (Learning and Understanding Nature through Creativity and Hard Work), is known for his academic prowess and passion for learning. This program, tailored for high-achieving and gifted learners from kindergarten through fifth grade, provided Caden with the support and resources he needed to excel. "The Sosland Foundation granted to the LAUNCH program, so Caden's registration for regionals and nationals was completely paid for,” revealed Stevens McClure, the LAUNCH facilitator at HBHA.

The event itself was a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience for Caden. Surrounded by peers in a bustling cafeteria, he faced off against competitors in a series of rounds featuring history-related questions. “We each had a buzzer in front of us. If you buzz in and get it right, you get a point,” Caden detailed. “It was a stressful atmosphere.”

Despite the pressure, Caden's love for history shone through, propelling him forward. “I feel good about myself when I get the questions right. History is my favorite subject,” Caden expressed. His profound interest in the subject matter, coupled with his dedication to learning, paid off as he won crucial points round after round. His final point of the day was won by correctly answering a question about U.S. presidents, Caden’s favorite topic. “One of my special skills is that I can name every single U.S. president,” Caden said proudly.

When asked about his passion for history, Caden's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “I always wanted to learn about how we started,” he explained. “We started living in caves hunting for food, now look around. We have giant skyscrapers. We have evolved as a society so much that it makes you wonder, how did all of this happen?”

Caden's journey to success serves as an inspiration to young students everywhere, showcasing the power of passion, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. As he prepares to represent our community on the national stage in Orlando, Florida, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Caden. With his unwavering determination and love for history, there's no doubt that he'll continue to make waves and inspire others along the way.