On Saturday, April 18, Academy’s National History Day club had one of its best years yet at the Ohio State competition, with two students qualifying for the national competition and one receiving a special award. 

National History Day is a nationwide program that involves middle and high schoolers in researching a historical topic based on an annual theme and presenting their findings in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, website, or performance. Every project must connect to this year’s theme, which was Revolution, Reaction, and Reform. Panels of historians and educators at the regional, state, and national levels judge the students. The competition pushes students to go beyond a basic study of history and dig deeper in finding primary sources, building original arguments, and defending their research to experts on history. 

I competed in the Senior Individual Exhibit category, which involves building a physical, self-standing display that presents research visually and in writing, within a strict size and word count limit, and placed second, earning me a spot in nationals.

Ella T. took first place in the Senior Individual Website category, for which she built a multi-page website. Addison M.’s project earned a special recognition for the depth and quality of the work she put in.

The state competition is a big step up from regionals. Every student there has already won or placed at their regional contest, so the level of research and presentation is high across the board. Going in, we knew it would be competitive, and coming out with two national qualifiers exceeded what any of us were expecting. It was a really exciting day for the club.

We’re grateful to our advisor, Mr. Morford, and student leaders Eesha, Alaina D., and Ella, and everyone who supported us through the process. We are looking forward to representing Academy at the nationals this summer.