What is History Day?

By: Lilliana Aguirre

History Day allows students to think outside of the box and create their own projects. The club lets students take control of what they want to teach through their projects. With the help of their new advisor, Mr. Eskridge, they will compete in numerous county and state competitions.

History Day is solely based on the competition they work the whole year for. Students get to compete against other schools and are judged to see what the best project is. The projects can be a documentary, painting, or anything that comes to mind to the students.

Schedules show that if a student does not have a documentary then they are privately interviewed by a judge. If they have a documentary, any school can take a seat to watch their documentary. During the competition, Mrs. Saleh, the former advisor, explains that she preinterviews them so they are prepared for their interview.

For the students, this club is very beneficial for college applications. Mrs. Saleh goes to say how this club is not only for creating projects based on interest, “It’s the experience, the exposure, and becoming college-ready.” History Day really shows how joining a rigorous club can be beneficial.

Although this club is very significant, students have not been interested in the account of the hard work that has to be put in and how it’s all about history. Elliot Jenson ’20, Executive President of History Club, says, “All of the other subjects are really well-represented, but history always gets overlooked.” Clubs like FBLA or Science Olympiad are never overlooked based on popularity. This rigorous club requires hardworking students that are willing to give their all whether it be in county competitions or state competitions.

The leadership of History Day has been passed on to Mr.Eskridge. This is his first year taking over History Day. Part of the reason he decided to take over the club was, he loves “talking to the students about history and having it in common with them.” He finds it very interesting to see different projects on subjects that he has little knowledge of or has never taken full interest in.

The former advisor’s legacy will be passed on to Mr. Eskridge. Mrs. Saleh explains, “In my seven or eight years of being involved in History Day I’ve always gone to state.” This year Mr.Eskridge will be leading the students to their first state win in hopes of more throughout the year.