It's a remarkable moment for 67 students from North Carolina, as they pack their bags and prepare for the 2025 National History Day® Contest in Maryland. These students from 24 schools have secured their places in a contest that is expected to draw nearly 3,000 participants from around the world for a chance to showcase their historical research and creative projects. The state qualifier event, North Carolina History Day, managed by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), attracted over 5,000 students this year, coding to official announcements.
The students have engaged with history at a deep level, selecting topics under the theme “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” and expressing their findings through various mediums – from documentaries to live performances. In a statement obtained by DNCR, State Coordinator Karen Ipock emphasized, “The most powerful part of this program is that it’s student-driven,” and noted that the project “brings history to life and gives students a voice in telling its stories.” This student-led avenue culminated in a series of regional contests, leading to a state-level competition at UNC Greensboro, where the finalists were decided.
A select group of North Carolina's best from the contest will get extra exposure. These students are set to participate in special workshops and showcases in Washington, D.C., presenting their insightful works at prestigious venues including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and others, as confirmed by the DNCR. The National History Day® event will run from June 8 through June 12 with the finale on the last day featuring an awards ceremony honoring the best in each category, rewarding not just scholarships but also special prizes for exceptional historical research.
North Carolina boasts not only talented students but also teachers who have been nominated for national awards for their contributions to history education. Both Jeffrey Stanek and Emily Lemus received nods for their dedication, shaping minds using historical inquiry within their classrooms, as reported by DNCR. The state's engagement with historical discourse extends all the way to the national level, setting an example for history education across the country. Not only does the competition shine a light on these young scholars, it also highlights North Carolina's firm commitment to cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of history among its youth.
To learn more about the student participants, projects aspiring to accolades, and the educators representing North Carolina at this national event, visit the DNCR's website for additional details on North Carolina History Day and the department's broader role in promoting education and cultural resources within the state.
