NEWMAN — Orestimba High School junior Kelly Zapien earned first place in the Senior Division Documentary category at the Stanislaus County National History Day competition on March 7, advancing to the state finals with a project she says reflects both her passion for women’s history and her pride in representing her school.
Zapien, the only Orestimba student competing at the county event, presented her documentary “A First Lady’s Revolution: Betty Ford’s Battle to Break the Taboo of Breast Cancer.” Her project examines how former First Lady Betty Ford’s public disclosure of her 1974 breast cancer diagnosis sparked a national shift in how Americans discussed women’s health. Zapien said Ford’s decision to speak openly created a “powerful reaction across the country,” helping reform public attitudes and contributing to a broader revolution in awareness and early detection.
“This year marks my sixth year participating in National History Day,” Zapien said. “After months of research, writing, and editing, I am grateful to share that I placed first. As the only student representing Orestimba High School at the competition, I am proud to represent my school and my community.”…