As part of its commitment to preserving and understanding our history and encouraging others to do the same, the Whitehall Borough Historical Society has created the History Student Award. Now in its second year, this award encourages the youngest members of our community to explore history.

This year, Baldwin High School senior Rakshya Kafle was honored with the award. At the Whitehall Borough Historical Society meeting on October 24th, Kafle was presented with a plaque and a $500 scholarship for her future education. Her name is also inscribed in the large plaque which will be on display in the Whitehall Borough Building in the Society’s display case and three books purchased in her name: one for her to keep, one for the Baldwin High School Library and another to the Whitehall Borough Library.

Kafle was nominated by the history department at Baldwin High School. BHS teacher Katie Temme shares, “She is very intellectually curious and searches for deeper meaning in historical processes.  She wrote an article in the Purbalite (our school newspaper) as a sophomore about feminism that was both extremely insightful and historically accurate, something you don't always see from underclassmen. This was very impressive to me and the department.”

Pictured from left to right is David Thomas, Vice President of the Society, Katie Temme, teacher at Baldwin High School, Rakshya Kafle, our awardee, a senior at Baldwin High School, Rakshya mom, Muna, Rakshya’s brother Rohan, Rakshya’s dad, Krishna and John Wotus, President of the Society.
Pictured from left to right is David Thomas, Vice President of the Society, Katie Temme, teacher at Baldwin High School, Rakshya Kafle, our awardee, a senior at Baldwin High School, Rakshya mom, Muna, Rakshya’s brother Rohan, Rakshya’s dad, Krishna and John Wotus, President of the Society.

See more in coverage from The Trib.