Presentations, interviews and questions from judges are what lies ahead for young students headed to the Michigan History Day western regional contest to be held at Grand Valley State University on Saturday, March 17.
Michigan History Day offers a fascinating opportunity to move social science beyond rote learning. Middle and high school students perform self-directed research on an individually chosen topic then present their work through the allied disciplines of art, literature, music, drama, and visual communications, in addition to writing. More than 160 students representing many West Michigan area schools registered their entries for this year's contest, following the theme, "Triumph and Tragedy in History."
From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kirkhof Center on Grand Valley's Allendale Campus, they will compete in two divisions: Junior (grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12). There is also a noncompetitive youth division for fourth and fifth graders who can come to the competition for judging.
There are individual and group competitions in three types of entries - exhibits, documentaries and performances. Judges are faculty and graduates from Grand Valley's history department, local teachers and community historians. They will select the top three entries in each division and category which will advance to the state contest, held at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, on April 28.
It is the goal of the program to empower students with research skills, critical thinking skills and outlets for creative expression which will enhance their academic abilities in all areas of study. Sponsors for the local event include Grand Valley State University and its Department of History, The Historical Society of Michigan, The Michigan Council for History Education, Meijer and Alticor.
For more information contact Sean O'Neill, GVSU professor of history, at (616) 331-3325.
Schools participating include:
Senior Category
Comstock Park High School
Grant High
School
Cedar Springs High School
Holland High
School
Lakewood High School
Junior Category
Ada Christian Middle School
Cedar Springs
Middle School
Highlands Middle School
Forest Hills Central
Middle School
Forest Hills Eastern Middle School
Forest Hills
Northern Middle School
Holland West Middle School
Holland East
Middle School
Holy Name of Jesus
Jenison Christian Middle
School
Jenison Junior High School
Morely Stanwood Middle
School
Whitehall Middle School
Youth Category
Whitehall Ealy Elementary School
