Mr. Sandler's students attend the 2025 Gilder Lehrman Awards

Mr. Sandler's students attend the 2025 Gilder Lehrman Awards

This past Monday night, Mr. Robert Sandler took a small group of talented history students to the 2025 Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Gala at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. The evening’s guest of honor was Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who captivated the audience with stories from her remarkable career — from serving as an aide to President Lyndon B. Johnson to writing acclaimed biographies of U.S. presidents. She spoke movingly about the lessons she learned from the Roosevelts, World War II, and the Vietnam War, offering insights that were both inspiring and deeply relevant.

Students also had the thrill of meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda, the brilliant creator of Hamilton, and enjoyed a lively dinner conversation with cast member Lauren Boyd. As a special gift, each student received a signed copy of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s latest book. It was a night filled with history, inspiration, and unforgettable memories.

See a full size photo collage here.