Pulaski County Public Schools

This school year, more than 8,000 students participated in History Day across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Out of this number, approximately 450 students, or roughly 5%, advanced to the state-level competition. Fifteen students from Pulaski County Public Schools were among that 5%, demonstrating their historical prowess at the Virginia History Day competition held on April 27th and 28th, hosted by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. Within this group of talented participants, six students from PCPS received recognition for their exceptional work.

Oliver Nester, a fifth-grade student from Pulaski Elementary School, was a finalist for his elementary individual exhibit titled "Chernobyl Disaster: A Turning Point in Nuclear Safety." Additionally, the junior group exhibit created by Izzy Osbourne and Ryleigh Dean, both eighth-grade students at Pulaski County Middle School, earned them a finalist position and the esteemed Macarthur Memorial Prize for their project, "Kristallnacht."

Moreover, Carter Gill, Haven McKinney, and Roland Thompson, sixth graders from PCMS, were honored with the Naval Order of the United States Award in Naval History for their junior group exhibit titled "USS Monitor: How a ‘Cheesebox on a Raft’ Revolutionized Naval Warfare." Their outstanding project not only secured them this prestigious award but also clinched the first-place position in the junior group exhibit division. As a result, they have earned the opportunity to represent Pulaski County at the National History Day competition, taking place from June 9th to 13th at the University of Maryland.

Furthermore, among the participants, Asher Vaughn, PCPS gifted resource teacher, was recognized with the Brenton S. Halsey Teaching Excellence Award for his remarkable contributions to history education.

Other Pulaski County students who participated in the Virginia History Day competition include Britton Ramsey and Gavin Reece from Critzer Elementary School; Adelaine Cobbs, Maria Correa-Sanchez, Carter Peterson, and Oscar Reis from Pulaski Elementary School; AnnMarie Johnson from Pulaski County Middle School; and McKenzie Davis and Willow Elliot from Pulaski County High School. 

Pulaski County Schools Superintendent, Robert Graham, expressed his pride in the students' accomplishments, stating, "The dedication and passion demonstrated by these students exemplify the high standard of excellence we strive for in Pulaski County Schools. Their achievements not only reflect positively on our district but also highlight the importance of historical education in shaping informed and engaged citizens."

Pulaski County Schools congratulates all participants and wishes Carter Gill, Haven McKinney, and Roland Thompson the best of luck as they prepare to represent the county at the national level.