Kentucky Historical Society
KHS Announces 2012 National History Day Winners

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 20, 2012) — Students from the Kentucky Junior Historical Society (KJHS) competed at the National History Day contest June 10-14 at the University of Maryland near Washington, D.C. Of 62 students representing the Commonwealth, six garnered nationwide recognition.

After the state contest in downtown Frankfort in April, 68 students qualified to compete at the national level. In all, 62 Kentucky students made the trip to National History Day last week, accompanied by approximately 40 family members and educators. At the national level, a total of 2,800 students competed, representing all 50 states and four international schools.

“Jane and I congratulate the students, their families and teachers for representing the Commonwealth during National History Day,” Governor Steve Beshear said. “History is a key part of a well-rounded education, and we are proud these students and their schools show such a passion for it.”

Through KJHS and National History Day, students gain valuable skills and make lasting connections with peers and educators that will benefit them long after they graduate.

Kentucky’s winners at the 2012 National History Day are:

Fayette County:

Joanna Slusarewicz; Salute to Freedom award and third place, individual documentary (junior division): “Respectfully Submitted, Dorothea Dix.” Winburn Middle School. Teachers: Theresa Buczek and Michelle Cason.

Neha Kadambi and Jamie Smith; Leadership in History award for group exhibit (junior division): “The Fight Without a War: India’s Revolutionary Road to Independence.” Winburn Middle School. Teachers: Theresa Buczek and Michelle Cason.

Meenakshi Singhal and Daryn Smith; Best of State: Junior Division for group website: “Charles Darwin: What Do You Mean Survival of the Fittest?” Winburn Middle School. Teachers: Theresa Buczek and Michelle Cason.

Menifee County:

Emma Roach-Barrette; Best of State: Senior Division and individual documentary (senior division) finalist: “Dead Men Do Tell Tales.” Menifee County High School. Teacher: Debra Craver.

KJHS members are eligible to participate in National History Day, a yearlong academic program focused on promoting historical research by students in sixth through 12^th grades. Students analyze the historical significance of their personally chosen topics and present conclusions in dramatic performances, imaginative exhibits, multimedia documentaries, websites and research papers. State winners have the opportunity to compete each year at the national level. The theme for this year’s contest was “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History.” Next year’s theme is “Turning Points in History.”

For more information or to participate in KJHS and National History Day, visit www.history.ky.gov/kjhs or contact Cheryl Caskey at 502-564-1792, ext. 4461 or cheryl.caskey@ky.gov.

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