Middle Schoolers Nail National History Day Competition

Editor’s Note: This post has been corrected with all the students names.

On March 28, 20 students from Ross A. Lurgio Middle School in Bedford participated in New Hampshire’s National History Day at Plymouth State University, according to a press statement.

The students, who created exhibits, documentaries, websites, and papers showcasing historical research and analysis, competed against more than 250 others from across the state. The state event is a culmination of the local competition cycle that takes students from their school and local level to a wider audience. At each level of competition students share their work with peers, historians, and educators as they compete for special awards and the opportunity to advance to the next level of competition.

Of the 20 Bedford students nine took home top honors, and those placing first and second have the honor of representing the state of New Hampshire at the national level. The national competition will be held June 14-18 at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Lurgio students swept the group website category, landing the top two spots and qualifying for nationals.

Sophie Gilmore and Amanda Xie placed first for their group exhibit entry, Charlemagne: Leader, Teacher, Worshiper.

Placing first for their entry, Leadership of Sejong the Great, was Daniel Dong, Luke Du Plessis, and Alex Kim.

Kaitlyn Dinndorf, Sierra Dinndorf, Jessica Rioux, and Madison Wallace placed second with their entry, John Muir: Scientist, Writer, Conservationist & Activist.

For the individual documentary division, Hailey Jennato placed third for her entry, Elisabeth Blackwell: Breaking the Medical Barrier to Lead Others and Leave a Lasting Legacy.

At the National contest more than 300 historians and other education professionals evaluate the students’ work. More than $150,000 worth of scholarships are awarded at the national awards ceremony to select students, and approximately 100 students will take home cash prizes between $250 and $5,000 for superior work in a particular category of judging.

The Lurgio National History Day contest is organized and coordinated by Amy Rockwell, part-time Enrichment Coordinator along with MaryPat Snow, media specialist.

For further information, e-mail Amy at rockwella@bedfordnhk12.net.

Caption: The NH National History Day competition was held on March 28. The top ranking students from left to right are (back row): Sophie Gilmore, Amanda Xie, Daniel Dong, Luke Du-Plessis, Madison Wallace (front row) Jessica Rioux, Sierra Dinndorf, Alex Kim, Kaitlyn Dinndorf.