Emily Borges '20 Chosen to Take Part in an Incredible Program!

View the official press release here.

On March 5, 2019, The Digging Into History: WWI Trench Restoration In Seicheprey France program announce the names of fifteen Connecticut high school students chosen to participate in this one of a kind program, including SJ's very own Emily Borges '20!

These students will travel to the small French village of Seicheprey, which was the site of the first German offensive against American troops. The students will work side by side with fifteen French students to restore a section of the trenches once occupied by the Connecticut soldiers who fought in that battle.

Digging Into History: WWI Trench Restoration in Seicheprey is a unique and innovative learning opportunity that will teach the history of WWI through hands on activity. Over the next four months the students will learn the personal stories of the men who fought there and how their own communities responded to the battle and the war. They’ll then spend two weeks in the village of Seicheprey working with local historians to restore a section of trench, touring other WWI battlefields, and immersing themselves in French culture.

The goal of this program is to create a historic site where visitors can learn about this important battle and American contributions to the war. Through signage at the site they’ll learn the story of the 102nd Infantry Regiment and soldiers like Cpl. Edward Dion of Hartford who was wounded and earned a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Seicheprey. These students will be ambassadors in this work, re-affirming the friendship once held so dear between Seicheprey and the people of Connecticut.

"Restoring and preserving historic sites provides a connection to the past that words and images cannot”, said Connecticut State Librarian Kendall Wiggin. “Restoring this section of WWI trench honors those brave United States and especially Connecticut troops who fought and died in a war synonymous with trench warfare.”

The application process for this program was competitive, with students submitting an application package, completing three essays and providing two recommendations. After careful consideration of each package, we are happy to announce the successful candidates chosen to take part in this program.

Joining the students as chaperones are Christine Pittsley, Project Director for the Connecticut State Library’s WWI Commemoration projects; Kathryn Christolini, a French teacher from Simsbury High School; and Erik Johnson, a history teacher at Park City Magnet School in Bridgeport. Also joining the team is Dr. Brian Jones, the Connecticut
State Archaeologist and UConn professor, who will be advising on the archaeology of the site.