San Jose, CA – On March 1, 81 students from 15 schools across Santa Clara County presented 43 entries for the annual Santa Clara County National History Competition. County Champions will advance to the California National History Day competition, being held virtually on May 6-8, 2021.
A year-long academic program, National History Day engages middle- and high-school students to conduct original research on local, state, national or world historical topics of interest. This year, students selected a topic related to the annual theme, Communication in History: The Key to Understanding, analyzed its historical significance, then virtually presented their conclusions through museum-style exhibits, media documentaries, research papers, interactive websites, or dramatic performances.
A new addition to the 2021 County competition, local organizations sponsored special awards for Excellence in Research and Diverse Voices in History. Honors were presented to projects that demonstrated extraordinary determination in tracking down primary sources or creative and original use of primary sources, or that focused on voices and stories that have been excluded from traditional history textbooks, including but not limited to those featuring women, BIPOC, or LGBTQ+.
“We are very proud of our students, teachers, parents and schools who participated in National History Day, and thank the coordinators and judges from across Northern California, who made this virtual competition a success,” said Santa Clara County Superintendent, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “Congratulations to the winners for their incredibly compelling projects which will continue to inspire participants in years to come.”
More information on the projects presented, as well as a list of this year's County Champions, Runners Up, and Special Award winners, can be found on Santa Clara County History Day website: https://tinyurl.com/SCCNHD. To learn more about how to participate, please email contest coordinators Heather Pang and Faith Daly at scchistoryday@gmail.com.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 21 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.