Keokuk Middle School students placed first and third in the regional contest of the National History Day program and have qualified to compete at the state level of the contest on April 27 in the Scheman Building in Ames, Iowa.
KMS students Ezza Matlick placed first with the project “The Reformation of the Pink Triangle” and Takorbisong placed third with the project “Trees of Tears: Revolution and Reform in the Congo,” both in the Junior Individual Exhibit category. Also, KMS student Stevens placed third in the Junior Individual Documentary category for their project, “The Korean War: The War Forgotten by Many.” All three students that are advised by Kelly Campbell, a KMS instructor, have qualified and will participate at the state contest.
The National History Day program is a year-long academic enrichment program that provides students with an opportunity to “take ownership of the past by conducting original historical research about topics of their choosing and presenting their findings in creative research projects” and receive feedback from qualified judges, according to the State Historical Society of Iowa. The program was created to foster in students the ability to “think critically and communicate through various formats while building self-confidence and a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process.” Keokuk is a part of the Voltaire Twombly Region of the National History Day program, which is one of nine regions in the state. At the state contest, the top students will advance to the National History Day State Contest, which will be held at the University of Maryland.
For more information on the history program at the state level, go to history.iowa.gov/learn/national-history-day.
