More than 160 county secondary students representing 24 county middle and high schools were recently recognized at the Anne Arundel County Regional History Day competition and awards ceremony. Focused on the theme, Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas, the students shared their historical knowledge, extensive research, and educated perspectives via various categories and expressions such as visual exhibits, performances, websites, documentaries, and written assignments. The assembled crowd was welcomed by the current president of the National Council for Social Studies, Dr. Shannon Pugh who is also the Director of Community and School Programming at AACPS.
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 (monetary, tours, or commemorative items) were presented to other exceptional projects that highlight a specific aspect or topic in history. The special awards are sponsored by AACPS, local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Notable sponsors include the Alduino Family, Maryland Humanities, Historic Annapolis, The League of Women Voters, Watermark Journey, The Annapolis Maritime Museum, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Bowie Baysox, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, The Maryland Coalition of Civic Education, The University of Maryland, The Maryland Council for Civic and History Education, and M&T Bank.
Southern Middle School media specialist Victoria Peddicord was named the 2023 History Day Teacher of the Year for the exemplary guidance of students in the research process at Southern Middle School.
The Maryland History Day state competition will be held on May 6, 2023, 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.