National History Day - California State Competition and Judging Held April 28 - May 1 in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Doubletree Airport Hotel in San Jose was abuzz this weekend as some 1,000 elementary, middle and high school students converged for the National History Day - California State Finals competition.  Judges for the competition ranged from student teachers to university professors and museum curators.

Students presented an impressive array of papers, performances, websites, documentaries and exhibits around the 2011 National History Day theme of "Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences."  Winners will advance to the National Finals competition scheduled for June 12-16, 2011 at the University of Maryland at College Park.

"National History Day is a life-changing learning experience for our fourth through twelfth grade students statewide.  In addition to learning about the importance of history, they gain 21st century skills in writing, speaking, using technology, and doing research to produce impressive projects," said Deborah Granger, National History Day – California Statewide Coordinator.  "It is a thrill to witness the motivation and intelligence displayed by these young people as they develop essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, oral and written communication, and presentation while building self-esteem, confidence and a sense of responsibility for the democratic process. Students who participate in History Day discover that they have the power and the voice to make a difference for the future."

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson attended the competition on Saturday and sat in on presentations and documentaries, toured the exhibit hall and spoke with excited students and teachers. "National History Day is a fantastic program," said Superintendent Torlakson.  "I experienced deep learning and bright students with wonderful creativity.  This is the way to learn history, by making it come to life.  As a teacher and history major, I was delighted with the excited projects produced by these motivated students."

Winners in elementary (grades 4-5), Junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12) divisions were announced at a special awards ceremony on the morning of Sunday, May 1. Senator Barbara Boxer opened the program with a special video welcome.  A representative from Assemblymember Nora Campos' office was in attendance and presented the National History Day team with a certificate of recognition.  The ceremony was attended by program leaders, elected officials, education leaders, community members, proud parents, teachers and students who have all worked tirelessly in making this program a success.  These all share the common goal of building a bright future for our students and our country.

National History Day is a year-long educational program that encourages elementary, middle and high school students to explore local, state, national and world history.  Nationwide, some 700,000 students and 40,000 teachers participate annually in the program.

National History Day - California is one of the largest state National History Day competitions in the country and has received special certificates of recognition from the offices of U.S. Congressman John Campbell and U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.  It is active in 34 California counties and reaches some 44,000 students. This year, the Orange County Department of Education was selected to become the ongoing California state affiliate for the annual National History Day celebrations and student competitions.  

For more information on National History Day - California, visit www.historydaycalifornia.org.

SOURCE National History Day - California