NHMS eighth grader Chael Schalcosky wins Hamilton Education Program contest, all expenses paid trip to NYC

North Hills Middle School eighth grader Chael Schalcosky is headed to New York City to see “Hamilton” live on Broadway thanks to an all expenses paid trip he won through a contest sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s Hamilton Education Program.

The contest tasked students with developing a creative piece about the Revolutionary era and Chael was one of 24 students on Team Heinz who chose to participate in the enrichment opportunity.

For his piece, “Paul Revere,” Chael creatively integrated two of the sources studied in class, the famous Paul Revere etching of the Boston Massacre (1770) and the associated poem that is included under the etching.

In February, he learned he was one of just 20 winners nationwide.

In addition to the free trip, Chael will participate in a live Q&A with the “Hamilton” cast. While in New York, he and his mother will be staying at the Hotel Edison, just steps from the Richard Rodgers Theatre. 

NHMS social studies teacher Joe Welch publicly recognized Chael and his achievement at the March 13 school board meeting.

"I am very proud of all of the students who took the initiative to challenge themselves and who were motivated by the chance to see ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway," said Welch. "This was the first year that we had student submissions and I’m thrilled we have a recipient here at North Hills. I’m looking forward to offering this opportunity again next year."

North Hills Middle School has been Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Affiliate School since 2014, allowing participation in the program.

Chael is the son of local historian John Schalcosky who runs the popular social media site Odd Pittsburgh, among others.