With subjects as varied as explorer Marco Polo, groundbreaking dancer Martha Graham and early pioneers of flight and rocketry, more than 450 students across North Carolina competed last month through exhibits, documentaries, performances and papers to earn top placements in the state's National History Day competition. The winning 66 middle and high school students will advance to the national stage at the University of Maryland in College Park June 12-14.
"The work put forth by these students is both impressive and inspiring. By delving deep into a variety of historical subjects, they're able to learn invaluable lessons that help them to better understand the present and prepare for the future." said Dr. Kevin Cherry, Director of the Office of Archives, History & Parks.
This year's competition highlighted the theme "Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History," and featured participants from 50 schools. In addition to those proceeding to the national competition, more than 60 students won special awards recognizing projects relating to specific historical topics.
The widespread recognition of students at the competition is made possible in part through private donors who fund nearly 20 awards.
Students advancing to the National History Day competition are:
East Region: (26)
- William Maurer & Cheyenne Umphlette, Central Middle School of Gates County
- Andrew Gallagher, Carson & Grant Worthington, St. Peter's Catholic School of Pitt County
- JonPaul Philpot & Nick Pope, Hope Middle School
- Sam O'Rourke, Jordyn Williams & Blake Stuart, J.H. Rose High School of Pitt County
- Skylar Holland, Wayne School of Engineering Middle
- Emma Bass,Wayne School of Engineering High
- Carolina Altunyay, Leena Armstrong, Bella Idol, Anna Jarnagin, Griffin Nakovich, Chance Schmidt, Ludo Zirilli, Drewv Magan, Thomas Johnson, Brandon Punzalon, & Cameron Retting, New Hanover High School
- Wilker Ballantine, Alexandra Koch, & PJ Middleton, Cape Fear Academy
Piedmont: (17)
- Olivia Ng, Saint Mary's School
- Sydney Dye & Caroline Murphy, Chapel Hill High School
- Dannis Cazarez & Melanie Irizarry, Surry Early College
- Leah Guercio, Zanetta Sirleaf, & Jessica Toukmaji, Hickory Grove Christian School
- Megan Dailey & Lily Klett, Woodlawn School of Mecklenburg County
- Shubi Gaur, Saketh Mothukuri, & Patrick Negus, J.M.Robinson Middle of Charlotte
- Catherine McMillan, Ardrey Kell High School of Mecklenburg County
- Joseph Chong & Jamie Lee, Providence High School of Mecklenburg County
- Grace Clements, Providence Day School of Mecklenburg County
West Region: (23)
- Bayli & Bryson Bayne, Madison Belk, Sadie Bowen, Coby Coggin, Moultrie Dangerfield, Marli Gmyrek, Dana Jakubielski, Grace Kelsch, Cecilia Murrey, Raines Strader, Isabel Ward, & Kathryn Worley, Classical Scholars of Henderson County
- Kimber Belk, Jane Maddock, Giovanni Melendez, & Jasmine Sotelo, Immaculata Catholic School of Henderson County
- Clara Hockenberry, Alden McCall, & Nelson Wiggins, Hendersonville Middle School
- Ruby Dyer & Madeline Lay, Swain County Middle School
- Calloway Hester, Swain County High School
For 42 years, National History Day has recognized and rewarded students for completing in-depth research and creating original projects that further appreciation and understanding of history.
National History Day is administered by the N.C. Office of Archives, History & Parks and supported by the North Caroliniana Society, Federation of N.C. Historical Societies, N.C. Literary & Historical Associationand Sons of the Revolution.