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Small Moments – Big Deals: National History Day Showcase
North Central High School had 14 projects advance to state out of the 35 that entered the district competition. The projects were in the following categories: Papers, Group Documentary, Individual Documentary, Group Website, Group Exhibit, and Individual Exhibit.
The stroke of a pen implemented landmark legislation like Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the military as well as the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. What could seem like small moments changed the course of history, and North Central High School students shared perspective as part of their National History Day (NHD) showcase. In its eighth year at North Central, the NHD program challenges students in the AP U.S. History course to dig deeper.
The 200 students took the topic “Breaking Barriers in History” and matched their passions with history to create projects ranging from documentaries to displays to performances. Topics such as women’s rights, the penitentiary system and the space program all caused students to examine history in a new way. They had to secure many primary documents and talk to sources – including some students calling NASA for interviews. “Students are making deeper connections to history that has shaped our country, with new appreciation for barriers that were broken,” said Dave Wheeler, NC history teacher and organizer of the event. “This showcase shows great learning in action.” Washington Township students have the opportunity to participate in National History Day starting in middle school.
