National History Day is a national history competition that allows students from all over the country to participate. Students begin at a regional competition, can move on to the state competition, and ultimately the national competition on the campus of the University of Maryland, says club advisor, Mr. Tubbs. Projects are chosen by the students, but must follow the theme given that year.
 

The National History Day Club at the high school began in 2017 and remains open to students in grades 9-12. However, only four students competed in the competition last school year. Mr. Tubbs adds, “This year we have 9 total students participating with 5 projects being created among those students.”
 

This year’s theme is “Triumph and Tragedy”. Students may display this theme in various ways. They can choose an event in which one group triumphed and another felt tragedy, an event that was viewed as a triumph but was a tragedy, or something in history that could be debated as either a triumph or a tragedy. Mr. Tubbs notes, “The beauty of NHD themes is that they are left broad enough to really get students thinking about history in an analytical fashion.”
 

Last school year was mostly focused on learning what this competition was about, Mr. Tubbs adds. There were only two students close to placing in states, but Mr. Tubbs has new goals this school year. He wishes to see members place in states this coming year and to see the club expand.
 

This club provides a vast amount of opportunities for students who take part in it. Mr. Tubbs describes connections with colleges, internships, and travel opportunities. Any type of student benefits  through this club and has an enjoyable experience along the way. “It is all a matter of how much dedication and work you want to put into it,” Mr. Tubbs concludes.

For more information on this competition visit https://www.nhd.org/