Six sophomores take a stand at state competition  

[dropcap size=small]S[/dropcap]ophomores Morgan Rego, Sam Harrison, Camryn Curren, Brooke Bigelow, Diego Sterling, and Anastacia Connolly competed at the National History Day State Competition in Rocklin, California from May 5 to 7, 2017. Competitors were asked to “Take a Stand” on current or past issues with a full presentation or essay and substantial research through libraries, archives, museums and verbal history interviews.

All six students were invited to state with the chance at the National Competition in Maryland after competing at a local level. Rego, Harrison, Bigelow and Curren featured Harvey Milk and his search for gay acceptance in public office with a full presentation. Sterling and Connolly competed in the historical essay category: Connolly submitted an entry about Gandhi and his help in freeing India.

“National History Day was a big deal to me because I was close to going to nationals,” said Connolly, who spent two weeks writing her essay.

The students still enjoyed the experience, although the students did not make it onto the national level.

“It was interesting seeing all the different ideas that people came up with for taking a stand,” said Rego, who is a first year competitor in National History Day.

Every year, National History Day features a new theme that hopes to teach students beyond just facts and dates and instead dive into historical events with their own perspective, according to their website.