Two Students "Jazz Up" National History Day

A duo of (RMS) girls “jazzed up” National History Day and came home with sixth place nationally.

Amelia Heusinkveld and Cara Meyer advanced to the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland with their junior group performance of “The Revolution of Silent Films to Talkies: How the movie The Jazz Singer Revolutionized The Movie Industry”. 

National History Day ran from June 11 – 14, and the girls performed on Monday, June 11^th.  There were approximately 70 junior group performances represented.  Monday evening, the girls learned they were one of 14 groups who advanced to the finalist round, so they performed again on Tuesday evening. 

“Since November, we’d been working to make our presentation the best it could be,” remarked Cara. “We revised it after each performance based upon feedback we got.”

Not only did they earn sixth place, but they also received recognition as Outstanding Submission from Minnesota in the Junior Category. Each state receives one recognition in both the Junior and Senior divisions.

The girls were ecstatic with the results, but the experience was just as important.

“Spending the week in Washington D.C. was really great,” explained Amelia.  “We got to meet so many students from all over the United States and some other countries, as well as seeing their projects.  Exploring the city was really fun, too!  I will always remember this experience.”

This contest hosts the best of the best from across the United States, American Samoa, Guam, International Schools and Department of Defense Schools in Europe. History Day is a prestigious academic program for students in grades 6-12. 

Editor's Note: This content was provided by the Robbinsdale Area School District.