Local competition promotes excellence in history and social studies
More than 120 entries by nearly 200 county secondary students – representing 15 county public middle schools, four public high schools, and one homeschool – were recently celebrated at the Anne Arundel County Regional History Day competition and awards ceremony. Focused on the theme, Rights and Responsibilities in History, the students shared their historical knowledge and perspectives in various categories and expressions such as, visual exhibits, performances, websites, documentaries, and papers.
Middle school students compete at the junior level, while high school students compete at the senior level of any given category. The first- and second-place winners in each category advance to the state level of the competition.
In addition, special awards were given to other exceptional projects. The special awards were offered and sponsored by BWI Thurgood Marshall International Airport, Historic Annapolis Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture, and a few Civil War reenactment groups. Among the special prizes were tours, commemorative items, and the opportunity to exhibit student work.
This year, Arundel HS social studies teacher Michael Yuscavage, was named the 2014 History Day teacher of the year for exemplary guidance as seen through the exceptional work of his students.
The Maryland History Day state competition will be held on Saturday, May 3, at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Winners from the state competition will move on to compete on the national level in June.
The countywide competition is hosted by the AACPS Division of Advanced Studies and Programs and the Office of Social Studies. This year’s panel of judges included current AACPS teachers and administrators, as well as county councilman Dick Ladd, and local historian and author Dan Toomey and Dr. Charles Chadbourne III from the United States Naval War College.