Maryville Students Win Big at National History Day

Five Tennessee students received medals last week during the 2017 National History Day Contest.

(L to R) A.J. Camacho of Clayton-Bradley Academy; Tate Greene and teacher Liz Shugart of Clayton-Bradley Academy

In all, 58 middle and high school students represented Tennessee in the competition, where students prepare documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances and websites with historical themes. The overall theme of this year's contest was “Taking a Stand in History.”

Tennessee's students, some working in groups and some working individually, submitted a total of 35 entries. The students earned the right to compete at National History Day by winning medals on the state level. Tennessee History Day is organized by the Tennessee Historical Society and co-sponsored by the Tennessee Secretary of State's office and Humanities Tennessee.

The honorees from Tennessee are:

Best Entry in Civil War History, Junior Individual Documentary

• Tate Greene
• Maryville, Clayton-Bradley Academy
• Entry: “Dissidents of the Rebellion: The Hidden Stand and Sacrifice of the East Tennessee Bridge Burners”
• Teachers: Liz Shugart, Nicole Whitecotton

Outstanding State Entry, Junior Group Performance

• Eden Hutchinson, Isabella Miya, Hannah Robbins
• Maryville, Clayton-Bradley Academy
• Entry: “Lowell Mill Girls: The First Union of Working Women”
• Teachers: Liz Shugart, Nicole Whitecotton

Outstanding State Entry, Senior Individual Performance

• A.J. Camacho
• Maryville, Clayton-Bradley Academy
• Entry: “Clarence Darrow: Taking a Stand for Truth”
• Teacher: Liz Shugart

“Our students tackled difficult subjects, like the Civil War, workers’ rights and academic freedom, in their research this year. They also overcame personal obstacles to compete, but rose to the occasion with their impressive entries. We were all impressed with their grace under pressure,” said Tennessee History Day coordinator Jennifer C. Core.

“These are amazing achievements considering a half-million students entered the contest on the local level before advancing to the state and national levels. I’m thrilled all of the students represented Tennessee so well on the national stage,” Secretary Hargett said.

National History Day is a yearlong academic organization for middle and high school students focused on teaching and learning history. A recent study by Rockman et al found students who participate in National History Day develop a range of college and career-ready skills. They also outperform their peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science, math and social studies. The program engages 7,000 students across the state of Tennessee.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State