Freshman Sarah Terrell of Fairfield Warde High School took first place at the 2026 Connecticut History Day Fairfield Regional Contest on Feb. 28 for her research paper on the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
Connecticut History Day is an affiliate of National History Day, an academic program that encourages middle and high school students to research, analyze and present historical topics. This year’s theme is “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Students may compete with papers, exhibits, documentaries, performances or websites. Students who finish in the top four at one of the five regional contests advance to the state contest.
Terrell’s paper was on the New York City garment factory fire that killed 146 workers, including 123 women and girls and 23 men, with many deaths attributed to exit doors that management had locked to prevent theft and work breaks. The tragedy helped spur reforms in workplace safety, labor protections and women’s rights.
Terrell, an award winner last year as an eighth grader in her first year competing, entered the senior division this year, competing against upperclassmen. The competition is split into two divisions, a senior division for students in grades 9-12 and a junior division for students in grades 6-8.
Her mother, Linda Terrell, said Sarah expanded her research approach this year to include interviewing a representative from Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition, a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to commemorating the fire, educating the public about its legacy and maintaining the Triangle Fire Memorial.
“There are no shortcuts,” she said, noting her daughter’s commitment to thorough research and writing. She added that Sarah has remained humble about the achievement.
Kurt Simonsen, Fitts House principal at Fairfield Warde High School, praised Terrell’s work ethic and curiosity.
“Sarah, according to all of her teachers, is a remarkably invested and curious student who adores learning,” Simonsen said. “Her success reflects that effort and passion, and we could not be prouder of how she represents our school community.”
