Sequoia Student Places 12th in National History Day Competition

Congratulations to Diana Herrera, 8th grade student at Sequoia Middle School.  Diana's Junior Individual Entry placed 12th out of 88 entries in the National History Day Competition at the University of Maryland on June 13-17.

More than 2100 students in grades 6th through 12th from 48 states, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa participated in National History Day.  An estimated 7000 people attended the five-day event, including teachers, parents, and the general public, as well as judges from universities, museums and federal agencies.

Students presented projects based on in-depth research related to the theme, "Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History," in the form of exhibits, performances, papers, and documentaries.  Diana chose the topic for her exhibit, "Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?" from a list of History Day topics.  She said that it immediately caught her attention and thought it would be interesting to learn about the exploration of Africa.  (The picture to the left is of Diana putting the finishing touches on her exhibit).

National History Day is a year-long education program that engages students in grades 6-12 in the process of discovery and interpretation of history topics.  Students produce dramatic performances, imaginative exhibits, multimedia documentaries and research papers based on research related to an annual theme.  These projects are the evaluated at local, state, and national competitions.

Diana was accompanied to the competition by her parents, Maria and Isidro Herrera, her History Day Advisors, Lisa Hayes and Sherry Hamilton, and Dave Ackley, Director of Administrative Support and Student Events.  In addition to attending the competition at the University of Maryland, Diana and her parents visited several of the national monuments and historic Jamestown and Williamsburg.  (The picture to the right is of Diana "touching the top" of the Washington Monument).

Diana said that her experience at National History Day has motivated her to strive to place even higher in future History Day events.

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