(Photos courtesy Jill Williams)
A total of 15 Pulaski County students traveled to Richmond this weekend, with nine earning awards for their efforts at the Virginia National History Day State competition, including one group that earned a trip to the national event coming up in June.
At the event, students present a display board with photos, facts, and other information pertaining to their subject. They are then given the opportunity to give a presentation to two judges, and those judges are then able to ask them questions to determine their knowledge of the subject.
Pulaski County saw a large increase in the number of students participating in the National History Day competition this year, thanks in large part to the recruitment efforts of Mrs. Roxanne Souma, who coordinates the event for Pulaski County Public Schools, and several other teachers at the middle school and elementary school level.
Over 55 Pulaski County students were in competition at the district level competition at Radford University in mid-March. That same competition the year prior only saw 12 Pulaski County students involved.
“It is incredible to see our History Day program increase and become so successful in such a short amount of time,” Mrs. Souma said. “But more importantly, seeing these students be so engaged and enthusiastic in their learning process has been wonderful. Most students are already planning for next year's projects, and we cannot wait to see what 2024 has in store for Pulaski County and History Day.”
Students competed in two groups at the State level. The first group completed projects for the Elementary Group Division.
Nicholas Cregger, of Critzer Elementary School, earned the George Marshall Memorial Prize for his project, entitled “World War 2.”
Campbell Ferrell and Kelson Delap, of Critzer Elementary School, earned second place for their project, entitled “The Great Depression.”
Haven McKinney and Roland Thompson, of Snowville Elementary School, earned first place for their project, entitled “Titanic: A Maritime Marvel.”
For students competing in the Elementary School Division, the state level is the highest level currently offered. There is no national competition for this group.
In the Junior Group Division, the team of Addisyn Viers, Bree Wilson, Gracianna Wimberly, and Megan Roe, all of Pulaski County Middle School, earned second place for their project, entitled “Navajo Code Talkers.” By earning second place, these students are now qualified to compete in the National History Day competition June 12-16, which is held at the University of Maryland.
In addition to the students, one Pulaski County teacher was also recognized for excellence. Mrs. Penny Lane, of Pulaski County Middle School, was selected as the District 3 Virginia History Day Teacher of the Year.
Other students with entries in the competition included Mason Stiffler of Pulaski Elementary with “Evolution of the Telephone”; Oliver Nester and Oscar Reis of Pulaski Elementary with “Operation Overlord – D-Day”; and Ainsley Vaughan, Mackenzie Maiden, and Sarah Simpson of Pulaski County Middle School with “N.O.W.”.
