Published on: Wednesday, June 23, 2010

By Madhu Rajaraman

Hundreds of bright high school students participated in last week’s annual National History Day Contest, hosted by the University of Maryland.

Each year, History Day centers around a theme—for 2010, the theme was “Innovation in History: Impact and Change.” Students wrote papers and created exhibits, documentaries and web sites analyzing various inventions and innovations throughout history—including everything from the printing press to antibiotics.

The event, which draws students from across the nation and even the world, was held from June 12-17 both on the University of Maryland’s College Park campus and in Washington.

Students compete in History Day at both the junior (middle school) and senior (high school) levels. Virtually every state is represented, in addition to Guam, American Samoa and European countries.

Winners at the local/district level move on to the state level, and a select few winners at the statewide level are then chosen to proceed to nationals, the final and most competitive stage. On the last day, an awards ceremony is held to recognize students’ work and conclude the five-day event.

The contest is comprised of individual and group projects, such as documentaries and exhibits, presented on cultural and anthropological topics which contestants themselves choose. Each year presents a new and challenging theme. Themes in past years have included “Conflict and Compromise” and “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform.”

Aside from the competition aspect, a significant portion of the History Day events includes educational trips to see historically significant monuments and museums in Washington.

Danie Sakevicius, a finalist representing Conway High School in Arkansas, said the research aspect of the competition was a bit boring, but for the most part described the overall experience as “fun and competitive.” This was her second year going to finals.

Sakevicius said the trips into the District were her favorite part of the event.

“We went on tours almost every day,” she said. “We got to see the National Mall and Arlington cemetery. But I liked the Smithsonian Portrait Museum the best.”

Sakevicius said she will be busy with college applications next year, but would definitely like to come back and participate in History Day 2011 if time permits.

Conway is just one of many schools across the nation which took home numerous awards in the senior division, including sixth place for a group performance, 10th place for a group exhibit and 12th place for an individual documentary. They also won a first place award in the junior division.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Conway history teacher William Richardson, who has attended History Day since 1999. “Even if we don’t win, we love seeing our students learn and do well.”