More than 230 students representing 18 Duval County middle and high schools and charter schools recently participated in the 25th annual Duval County History Fair at Atlantic Coast High School.
The Duval County History Fair is an annual academic competition that enhances the teaching and learning of history at the secondary level. Duval County’s competition follows the rules and guidelines established by the National History Day (NHD) program, which was established in 1974. NHD supports history education by providing students the opportunity and encouragement to conduct their own historical research about people, ideas and events of the past.
Through preparing and presenting a History Fair project at the school-level and/or district-level, students gain valuable, life-long skills. They develop the ability to conduct purposeful research and to identify, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary sources. They gain an awareness of historical events and their impact on society, and learn to synthesize and share information. They also develop both poise and self-assurance during contests with peers.
Each year, students in grades six through 12 select a topic based on the theme set annually by NHD, and this year’s theme was "Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences."
Students had to present research on their selected topic in one of five categories: historical paper, exhibit, documentary, performance or website. With the exception of the historical paper category, which is only open to individuals, students may elect to work individually or in groups of up to five members.
Students' entries are judged in two divisions: junior (grades six through eight) and senior (grades nine through 12). First- and second-place winners in each category and division advance to the state contest in Tallahassee in May.
This year’s Duval County History Fair had a special recognition for Josh Walter, a Kirby Smith Middle student who recently passed away. Walter had placed first in the historical paper category at Kirby Smith, and was very excited to compete with other students throughout the district. In his honor, Walter’s name and entry were included in the History Fair program under historical papers. At the beginning of the awards ceremony, a moment was taken to share the excitement Walter had expressed at being selected to represent his school in the competition. The members of the Kirby Smith Social Studies Department brought special items to commemorate the event, including a picture and a copy of his paper. Walter’s family was in attendance and received a standing ovation from the audience.
District schools that participated in the event include: Andrew Jackson High, Atlantic Coast High, Alfred DuPont Middle, Darnell-Cookman Middle/High, Duncan Fletcher Middle, Fort Caroline Middle, James W. Johnson Middle, Julia Landon Middle, Kernan Middle, Kirby-Smith Middle, Landmark Middle, Mandarin Middle, Matthew Gilbert Middle, Mayport Middle, Stanton College Preparatory, River City Science Academy, Twin Lakes Academy Middle and William M. Raines High.
Download a list of the first-, second- and third-place winners for each category.
Duval County Public Schools operates 172 schools and serves approximately 123,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.
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