The National History Day Competition program is a national contest for students in grades 6-12. The students conduct extensive research related to an annual theme and present their findings in one of four categories: exhibits, documentaries, performances, or papers. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while creating their entries.

There are two divisions: junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12). Students can choose to participate in the contest individually, or as part of a group of up to five students. The competition starts at a local or district level and progresses to state and national competitions. Our district’s competition is held in partnership with the Tampa Bay History Center in February of each year. From that competition, several of our middle school students progressed to this year’s state level competition held on May 8, 2009, in Tallahassee. Three of our students won state awards and one went on to win recognition at the national competition held June 14, 2009, at the University of Maryland.

Anna Yannakopoulos, Farnell Middle School, placed first in the state level competition in the Junior Historical Paper category with her paper titled, "Werner Von Braun: An Inspired Engineer or an Immoral Villain?" She went on to place eleventh at the national level competition. She was also honored at the national level with the “George C. Marshall 20th Century” award which distinguished her paper from all other projects in both the junior and senior categories with the same topic.

Philip Rosatone, Farnell Middle School, won a special American History Innovation award at the state level competition in the Junior Individual Exhibit category.

Kelsey Rodgers, Progress Village Middle Magnet School, placed third in the state level competition in the Junior Individual Performance category.

* Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

This agenda item is for recognition and has no financial impact on the district.