History Social Science Programs & Events

national history day

National History Day is a voluntary project-based competition open to elementary, middle and high school students.  The event is an exciting way for students to explore local, state, national and world history.  Students conduct extensive research on a historical topic related to an annual theme and then compete at the site level.  The winners from the site level go on to compete at the country and some continue on to the state level.  For more details, learn more at:

National History Day - California

2025 Contest Theme: Rights & Responsibilities in History

Junior Division Medalist

  • Group Exhibit: Runner Up 
    David Cha, Noah Im, Liam Kim, Ayaan Thind from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Historical Paper: Champion
    Abigail Han from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Individual Performance: Champion
    Aria Yatavelli from Santiago Hills Elementary
  • Group Performance: Honorable Mention
    Sydney Berryman and Grace Markus from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Individual Podcast: Champion
    Lexie Holland from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Group Podcast: Champion
    Madilyn Butler, Sofia Reyes, YuQiao Shao from Rancho San Joaquin Middle School
  • Individual Website: Runner Up & Special Award for European History
    Milani Doshi from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Group Website: Champion & Special Award for Science & Technology in History
    Christine Jeon & Joseph Featherstone from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Group Website: Champion & Special Award for California Historic Places
    Shawn Castrapel & Max Castrapel from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Group Website: Honorable Mention
    Sai Sahasra Kondamadugu & Danyatha Jeyapandi from Venado Middle School

Senior Division Medalist

  • Group Documentary: Champion & Special Award for Labor History Prize
    Jongmin Chae and Luna Moon from Portola High School
  • Individual Performance: Honorable Mention
    Susan Kim from Northwood High School
  • Individual Podcase: Champions
    Madeline Cheng from Northwood High School
  • Individual Website: Champion
    Anna Cao from Northwood High School

Special Awards

  • Bushong Award for Social Justice Legacy & Indiviaul in History Award
    Seojun Baek, Anish Pashikanti and William Lin from Sierra Vista Middle School
  • Environmental Justice in History
    Penelope Pan from Rancho Middle School
  • Holocaust Educaton Center Remembrance and Education: Voice Against Darkness Documentary Award
    Samashti Singh, Keyohn Lu & Eeshal Ali from Jeffrey Trail Middle School
  • The Moulton Museum Award
    Shawn Castrapel & Max Castrapel Sierra Vista Middle School
  • OCC GATE Spotlight Award
    Zhijie Yang from University High School