Upper Elementary students at Founders’ and Armleder are going head-to-head in a celebration of knowledge that will test their cultural know-how and grow their understanding of diverse experiences.  

The Ancestral History Cup (AHC), spanning January and February, is an optional competition that sees teams of students in Grades 4–6 delving into the historical facts and cultural identities that form our country.  

“This is the third time we have had this competition,” says Steve Sideris, Principal at Founders’ Lower School. “It came out of one of my core beliefs for what we are trying to do at CHCA. Most schools are in a cycle of trying to save individuals from their current circumstances and the challenges they’ll face in adult life. However, I believe our goal at CHCA is different. I believe our goal is not merely to shield individuals from the challenges ahead but to build them into adult leaders that will go on to shield thousands!” 

To do that, Sideris says, it’s imperative that students go beyond traditional curriculum. Through the AHC, they’ll do just that.  

“The hope is that through a fun and engaging competition, some level of awareness and spark to learn more might be ignited in some of our students,” he says. 

Though just in the beginning stages, the AHC is already sparking curiosity and conversations on campus. Students are expressing an interest in not just the facts, but in the why behind those facts, like why Cincinnati celebrates Oktoberfest or why we care about geopolitics.    

Both during and outside of the school day, students who have joined the competition will study how and why people immigrated to America, the challenges they faced on their way to achieving the American Dream, and key leaders who made an impact. The competition will include grade level teams facing off against each other and advancing until the third and final round at Armleder, to be held in late February, where super teams (combinations of winning grade level teams from both campuses) will compete to crown the CHCA Ancestral History Cup Champion. 

“We need learning activities such as this if we truly want our students to make a significant 

impact in the world when they become adults,” Sideris says.