Last year, a record number of students took on the challenge of competing in the National History Day competition, with several students advancing to the state level of competition. To celebrate that hard work and the success they earned, several of these students were recognized at the Virginia House of Delegates during a visit.
District 12 Delegate Jason Ballard, representing Pulaski County and some of the surrounding New River Valley, was one of several leaders to welcome the Pulaski County students to Richmond and the General Assembly Building during their visit.
“Last year we had two groups go to the State competition in April and one of those groups moved on to the Nationals,” Mrs. Penny Lane said. “I was so proud of all of them. Only two groups in each category are chosen to represent not only our school but our state. Students were invited to attend Virginia History Day on the Hill. This included Megan Roe, Graci Wimberly, and Bree Wilson, and Addison Viers, who was unable to attend but was part of the group. They presented their project that morning to Delegates, Senators, and the Secretary of State. They were recognized at a Delegates meeting and given a tour of the Capital. They told me it was a busy day and one they will not forget.”
Last year, Mrs. Lane was selected and recognized as the District 3 Virginia History Day Teacher of the Year.
During their visit, the students attended a session of the House of Delegates, visited the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and other key points of interest in and around the city.
Pulaski County saw a large increase in the number of students participating in the National History Day competition last year, thanks in large part to the recruitment efforts of Mrs. Roxanne Souma, who coordinates the event for Pulaski County Public Schools, and several other teachers at the middle school and elementary school level. Over 55 Pulaski County students were in competition at the district level competition at Radford University last year. That same competition the year prior only saw 12 Pulaski County students involved.
This year, the program has expanded to include sixth through eighth-grade students in the middle school division, opening the door for an entire new crop of competitors to enter the arena. The district competition is set to take place March 15 at Radford University again, with the theme for the year being “A Turning Point In History.”
At the event, students present a display board with photos, facts, and other information pertaining to their subject. They are then given the opportunity to give a presentation to two judges, and those judges are then able to ask them questions to determine their knowledge of the subject.
Students at the elementary school level are also able and will compete in this challenge, but there is currently no national level for that age group.