This year, a new academic competition opportunity is available for SHMS 8th grade students. National History Day - a national competition - is offered in partnership with the Kansas Historical Society. Participating students will choose an historical topic, conduct research, and create a project to share what they have learned. The theme for 2024 is ‘Turning Points in History.’

National History Day is an extracurricular activity 8th graders can choose to undertake. All research and preparation is completed outside of class time and is not for a classroom grade. Support and guidance will be provided by Mrs. Lual, 8th grade Social Studies teacher. Research will begin in the Maverick Library but will necessarily branch out to area libraries, agencies, and online sources. 

Projects may take the form of a research paper, a website, a documentary, or a museum-style exhibit. A parent night is planned for next spring to provide a practice round to prepare for the competition. The first official competition will be Regionals on March 2nd in Lawrence, KS. The top two entries from Regionals will advance to the State competition on April 20th. The top two entries from State will advance to the National competition to be held in June.

Anyone interested in learning more about this competition can visit kansashistoryday.org or nhd.org.