Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Gene Rose Velasco, National History Day teacher at Dishchii’bikoh Community School

  Gene Rose Velasco is a dedicated educator, researcher, and author with a deep passion for the humanities and social sciences. Originally from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, she has built a distinguished career in teaching, research, and academic writing spanning over fifteen years, with a strong focus on social studies education.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education majoring in Social Studies from the University of St. La Salle, where she also served as a part-time instructor. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Education specializing in Social Studies and recently earned her Master of Arts in Special Education, further strengthening her commitment to inclusive and responsive teaching. In addition, she has completed the academic requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and scholarly growth.

Throughout her career, Gene Rose has served as a Master Teacher in Senior High School, a college instructor, and a social studies educator across diverse educational settings. Her teaching journey includes meaningful work in indigenous schools in New Mexico and her current role at Dishchii’bikoh Community School, where she teaches middle school students with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to student development.

She is actively involved in National History Day (NHD)–sponsored research initiatives, guiding students in exploring the stories of war veterans, with a special emphasis on Indigenous heroes. Most recently, she successfully led her students to win at the Regional National History Day competition, earning them the opportunity to advance and compete at the state level.

As a mother of four, Gene Rose brings warmth, empathy, and understanding into her classroom. Her nurturing approach inspires students to see education not only as a path to personal success but also as a way to honor their heritage, history, and cultural identity.

Her academic contributions include presenting research at national and international conferences and publishing in respected platforms such as the University of St. La Salle College of Education Journal and the Philippine Sociological Society Annual National Conference.

Beyond academia, she is passionate about theater, public speaking, and research. As an author, her work reflects a profound appreciation for culture, history, and human development, aiming to educate and inspire through narratives that celebrate identity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

Monday, May 11, 2026

Meet the 26-year-old Julia Taggard preserving the Wallace and Ladmo Legacy

 Congrats to Historical League member Julia Taggart making news again with Wallace & Ladmo revival. Check out Arizona Republic May 10 issue, page B01.

Fun Fact: The Historical League honored them in 1992 as Arizona Historymakers.







Dr. Breeckner and Vince Bradley report at May Meeting

 Thanks to reports from Executive Director Dr. Breeckner and Deputy Assistant Director Vince Bradley, we always learn a lot about the happenings at Arizona Heritage Center at our monthly Historical League meetings. We are grateful they take the time from their busy days to keep us informed.

Dr. Breeckner answers questions from Historical League members

Vince explains the exciting topics of AHS virtual programming. May 16: A Black Army.

May 20: Route 66. June 10: Sandra Day O’Connor. Details at www.ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org


Dr. Breeckner talks about upgrades to AZHC including new seats for the Steele Auditorium

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Arizona Historical Society sponsors 3rd grade Postcard contest

 Arizona Historical Society sponsored a 3rd grade Postcard contest again. With over 1000 participants, there were 14 winners. Below are three of them celebrating with their classmates. The Historical League is pleased to support this program.

Dr. Rex writes, "I am pleased to have hosted the inaugural Arizona Historical Society third-grade postcard contest pizza party at Gladden Farms Elementary School in Marana, Arizona, and I look forward to 13 more such events. Congrats Emmalyn Bourguet!"






Kudos to AHS Dr. Kristen Rex who has traveled around AZ celebrating the winners. Students are excited to be recognized, share a pizza party with family and classmates, have their art made into postcards for sale at AHS museums, and receive lots of SWAG!



Coronado Elementary student Kase Nelson was a winner!





Gowan Science Academy 3rd grader, Waylon Bedoya, celebrated his winning postcard!





Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Historical League volunteers at Mentoring Session May 2 for NHDAZ

Excitement in the air as National History Day AZ students checked in Sat., May 2 for mentoring, swag, details of Wash.D.C. trip, critiques, friendships.

Some final changes to their project then off they go in June to the National contest at University of Maryland, College Park. Thirty eight students will compete with 3 teachers and 4 AHS staff to guide them through their journey.

Historical League members showed up to volunteer, mentor and give support to these amazing young people: Jolynn Clarke, Chris Hackett, Cathy Shumard, Ruth McLeod, Diana and David Smith, Norma Jean Coulter, Pat and Pete Faur, Laurie-Sue Retts, Stacey Trepanier.

Thanks to the AHS team for organizing this event. L- R Holly Barnard, Emily Hahn, 
Taylor Kyle, Dr. Kristen Rex, Leonard Moody 
Cathy Shumard and Leonard Moody are excited about the new NHDAZ t-shirts

Chris Hackett, Jolynn Clarke, Cathy Shumard check in students, handing out reimbursement checks helping to subsidize travel to Washington, D.C.

NHDAZ student Mai Piel visits with teacher, mentor extraordinaire,
Historical League member Stacey Trepanier



Ruth McLeod is impressed by the very detailed hat bands AHS Holly Barnard sewed

David and Diana Smith share a story with Jolynn Clarke





Chris Hackett, Cathy Shumard, Ruth McLeod, Jolynn Clarke,
Laurie-Sue Retts with two friends

Leonard Moody, Pete and Pat Faur, Jolynn Clarke