Schools
Two local students qualify for state history fair
Two Lakewood Ranch High School seniors produce award winning research papers
Mariana Alvarez-Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - On Feb. 28th, two LRHS Mustangs qualified for the 2026 state History Fair.
The 2026 Manatee History Day Ceremony awarded students for their research and projects.
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LRHS senior student Elizabeth Bentz was awarded first place at the ceremony in the senior papers category for her paper, “The Fingerprint Revolution”. Also, LRHS student Mackenzie Walker was awarded second place in the senior papers category on her paper, “Pedaling Toward Freedom: How the Invention of the Bicycle Transformed Women’s Lives.”
Walker said, “"I chose to write about how the invention of bicycles transformed women’s lives. I was fascinated that something as simple as the bicycle could have such a revolutionary impact in history. I found it interesting the bicycle was not only a form a transportation for women, but it was a way of freedom, independence and a way to challenge unfair societal norms.
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“Researching this topic also allowed me to see that change doesn’t always have to come from major events, but it can be the smallest things that lead people to move forward.”
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Bentze said her project was the result of long-running interests.
"I’ve always been interested in law so when I began researching DNA in cases, I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” she said.
Every year National History Day recognizes students’ research within a historical theme. The theme is chosen for the broad application to world, national, or state history and its relevance to ancient history or to the more recent past. This year’s theme was “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History.”
Mustang junior Luci Palmtag won third place recognition for her paper on “The Revolution of Childhood Education in the 19 Century.” Meanwhile, Mustang Junior Averie Tholl the awards ceremony received a special prize at the ceremony in the “Arts in History“ category.
The students who placed in the top two were invited to become part of the Manatee County Florida History Day state team.
