The Westerly High School Social Studies Department  offers a wide variety of courses representing most of the social sciences. Students are required to successfully complete three courses in Social Studies in order to graduate. These courses cover World History, US History and Civics. Through these required courses, students are expected to read, write, think and speak like a historian. Before they graduate, the WHS student will be able to construct a history by interpreting artifacts from the past, as well as identify and explain differences in historical interpretation.  They will also know their rights and responsibilities of a citizen living in a democracy. Though not required, most students take at least one Social Studies elective. Some of these courses prepare students to take the Advanced Placement test. The department also maintains articulation agreements with local colleges and universities that award our students college credit upon completion of their courses at WHS.

                                                                                              Anthony Lementowicz, Department Chairperson

LWVSC Announces  Women’s History Month Writing Competition

Since 1995 presidents have proclaimed the month of March “Women’s History Month.”  

The League of Women Voters of South County is sponsoring a writing contest in the form of a Letter to the Editor to honor the collective strength and resilience of women who, throughout history, have shown that barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized.  Students are asked to write a tribute to an American woman or women from the past or present, whose contribution or achievement influences their personal life or women’s lives in general today. 

The contest is open to all students in American History classes from Chariho, Exeter-West Greenwich, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Prout, South Kingstown, and Westerly High Schools, and Homeschoolers.  A cash award of $100 per school will be presented to the winning writers during the month of March 2024.

The deadline to submit a maximum 500 word letter to the editor is midnight March 14, 2024.  Details of the contest and the link to the submission form can be found HERE. 

The South County League of Women Voters Wants YOU!

The League of Women Voters of South County would like you to consider joining their organization. Their mission is to encourage informed and active participation in government.  The very first high school member of the league is from Westerly High School, and the group would love to have more students get involved. Here is a link to their website to learn more: http://www.lwvri.org/LWV_South_County.html  

If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact Nina Rossomando at lwvscri@gmail.com.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Contest Topic

Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. 

To learn more about political courage, visit Contest Information and FAQs.

All submissions must adhere to contest requirements.

Contest Deadline

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2023. The contest deadline is January 12, 2024.

Recognition and Awards

First-place: $10,000   Second-place: $3,000   Five Finalists: $1,000 each  Ten Semi-finalists: $100 each    

Click HERE for more information.