More than half a million middle and high school students around the world participate in the National History Day Contest, and last week finalists met to compete at the University of Maryland. Students researched, developed and presented papers, exhibits, documentaries, websites and performances about historical topics related to this year’s theme: “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.”
Five students from Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids and Nashua-Plainfield schools took top honors, while sixteen more Iowa students received special recognition during this year’s program, which is coordinated in Iowa by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
Students from Akron-Westfield Middle/High School placed 5th in the Junior Group Performance. The title of their project was “Annie Wittenmyer: Leading a Frontier in Hospital Safety Conditions”. The project also received Outstanding Entry recognition. Faith Martinsen, Kaylie Meinen, Kaylee Miller, Carter Moffatt and Khallie Willms were led by teacher Val Philips.
Overall, Iowa sent 62 students from 18 different schools to the national contest this year. The 62 students emerged from a total of 498 competitors in the National History Day in Iowa state contest held earlier this year at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. National History Day in Iowa Coordinator Hanna Howard says the students represented Iowa well.
