Decorah students qualify for National History Day state competition in Des Moines

Several students from Decorah have qualified to represent Decorah at the state level of National History Day competition in Des Moines on May 7th.

National History Day begins in the classroom, where 8th grade students in Mr. Knaack's American History class choose historical topics related to a theme.  Students then conduct extensive primary and secondary research through libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews and historic site visits. After analyzing and interpreting their sources and drawing conclusions about their topics' significance in history, students present their work in original papers, websites, exhibits, performances and documentaries. This year's theme was "Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History."

Students advancing to the state competition this year along with their project title are:

--Jane Kilarski: "The Printing Revolution."
--Melanie Gossman and Taylor Schuring: "A Women's Game."
--Ashley Schwartzhoff and Emma Sweet: "McRevolution: Advertising to Children"
--Autumn Delong: "Robert Ray: A Voice for Refugees"
--Andrew Sullivan: "Joplin's Crusade."
--Kalle Solberg, Katelyn Yee, Katie Perez, and Loden Henning: "Elijah Parish Lovejoy: American's Reaction to a Revolutionary Idea."
--Emily Womeldorf and Madisyn Bockman: "Edna Griffin: The Reformation of Segregation.
--Sofiya Andrusishin, Annika Krieg, Linnea Carlson and Brianna Doyle: "Ruby Bridges: Steps for Reformation"
--Dallas Matt: "Elvis Presley."

Three high school students will also be competing at the state level.  Aidan Spencer, Clara Kittleson, and Lydia Hayes will present their documentary titled "Social Freedom: A Debate Between Generations."