Out of 72 finalist projects, 48 IUSD elementary, middle and high school projects won top honors at the recent National History Day-Orange County, which was held at Sierra Vista Middle School. These champions will now compete at National History Day-California April 19 through April 21 at California State University, Sacramento.
Coordinated by the Orange County Department of Education, the event showcased more than 180 projects, ranging from websites and posters to documentaries, performances and even podcasts. This year’s theme was “Turning Points in History,” which encourages examining events, ideas or actions that have significantly influenced the course of history.
Participating IUSD schools included Beacon Park K-8 School, Irvine High School, Lakeside Middle School, Northwood High School, Portola High School, Santiago Hills Elementary School, Sierra Vista Middle School, Venado Middle School and University High School.
Robbie Robinson, IUSD History-Social Science and World Languages Coordinator notes, “The depth to which our students have investigated deep historical questions and issues in our world, should be held in the highest esteem. Identifying an issue, developing an inquiry around it, and exploring the realities of these global themes are critical to citizenship in the 21st century. Our students are a model of what it means to be civically engaged and their work should inspire us all to do the same as we navigate this complex world.”
In addition to the champion awards, several IUSD projects also took home special awards, including The Moulton Museum Award for Group Websites and Holocaust Education Center Remembrance and Education: Voice Against Darkness Documentary Award.
Champions at the State Competition will advance to the NHD National Contest, which will take place June 9 through June 13 at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Learn more about the competition and the champions, runner-ups and their projects.