Students to Bring History to Life in Spirit of Competition

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA -- Nearly 400 elementary, junior high and high school students from throughout Riverside County will bring the past into the present Saturday, showcasing their technical and creative skills in the annual National History Day competition.

The seven-hour event is slated to get underway about 9 a.m. at Ramona High School in Riverside.

This year's theme: "Taking a Stand in History."

Students will make team presentations, using documentaries, two- dimensional exhibits, websites and paper records to demonstrate how well they know subjects anchored in the theme, according to the county Office of Education.

A total of 215 entries were received for this year's event, during which students are expected to spotlight figures of historical significance.

The following presentations are scheduled Saturday: "Galileo Gallelei: Protesting the Common Knowledge"; "Gene Roddenbury: Where No Man Has Gone Before"; "Helen Keller"; "The Iron Lady Takes a Stand"; and "The Sons of Liberty: America's First Freedom Fighters."

No teacher advisers are allowed to participate once the contest gets under way.

The top-scoring teams will advance to the National History Day- California State Competition, slated for May 6-7 in Rocklin. The national contest is set for June 11-15 at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Last year, 51 Riverside County students went on to compete at the state level.

– By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock