Local Sixth Grader Headed to Chicago for The Great History Challenge

BROOKSVILLE – A local middle school student will be competing at The Great History Challenge in Chicago, Illinois after beating hundreds of students at a regional competition in Clearwater earlier this year.

Sophie Tollefson is a 6th grade student in Ms. Amy Weir's history class at BEST Academy, and they'll be joining 7th grader Vincent Cannone and 8th graders Joseph Chapman for the National Championship on May 24th and 25th.

We spoke to Ms. Weir earlier today who said, "Sophie is a great student. She's creative, studies hard, and loves to make video projects." Ms. Weir says she is very proud of her students and that they will have an opportunity to compete in the national championship.

Sophie's mom Sam Tollefson says, "I'm just incredibly proud of her, it's more than just having the knowledge, it's having the courage to do your best." Sam says Sophie always stays busy, loves the outdoors, and participates in gymnastics after school.

I asked Sophie what her favorite eras in American history are and she said, "I love to learn about the Revolutionary War, and I also like how the Spanish founded Florida." To try and raise money for the trip to Chicago, Sophie is selling baked goods like gluten-free protein cookies. They have created a Fundly account for anyone who would like to donate or just show their support for her accomplishments.

BEST Academy is a publicly funded charter school that is governed by the Hernando County School District.