Kadence Johnson NHDAZ, Santan Jr. High student

 "It would be a fascinating topic to learn about, especially with personal connections." Kadence Johnson NHDAZ student reflects on why she chose the topic for her paper- The Day That Lives in Infamy: The Revolution of Pearl Harbor. Kadence writes, "I chose the topic of Pearl Harbor because I have a mixed heritage of Japanese and American. I thought that since I used to have a relative who was in Japan for some of the war, that it would be a fascinating topic to learn about, especially with personal connections. The attacks of Pearl Harbor were revolutionary because they entangled America in WWII, ushering along a swifter ending. If Pearl Harbor had not occurred, the outcome of the war would have been substantially different."

Fourteen students out of 3,000, were invited to attend a writing workshop at The People’s House: A White House Experience on June 17, sponsored by the White House Historical Association.
When asked what she was most Interested in for Nationals, Kadence replied, "I am incredibly excited to see the People’s House while we are visiting! I’ve always been interested in the White House and our presidency. I am overall so excited to show off my hard work in such a beautiful, and important place!"

Her wish came true . . . She was selected to participate in a writer’s workshop at The People’s House as they were impressed with her work. Congrats NHDAZ Kadence Johnson!!

And THANKS to her teacher, Donna Gustafson from Santan Jr High in Chandler who took two students, Sofia Piccinini and Kadence Johnson, to National Competition in June.

NHD teacher Donna Gustafson, Sofia Piccinini and Kadence Johnson with Donna's support dog Mobi

Sofia Piccinini and Kadence Johnson

What is National History Day?

 Our NHDAZ students did us proud! The National History Day® National Contest June 14–18 had the theme Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History. Arizona students joined more than half a million students globally who completed historical research projects in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. The Historical League is proud to support NHDAZ.

After completing their research and designing a project, students competed in a series of contests beginning at the local level. The top students from 49 states, Washington D.C., U.S. territories, and international schools advance to the annual National Contest. Only 3,000 students advanced to the top level this year.

“National History Day provides an incredibly enriching experience for students in middle and high school,” said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “NHD students learn to research, analyze, and effectively articulate their position. Just one percent of this year’s NHD participants advanced to the national level, so all students should be proud of their achievements. NHD will benefit students far beyond academics as they become successful professionals, community-minded leaders, and engaged citizens.”

540 historians and education professionals served as judges for the students' work. More than 100 students took home cash prizes for superior work in a particular category of judging, along with special prizes from a variety of sponsors. More information at nhd.org.

Thank you from Ethan Tsay NHDAZ student

 "I've learned to reclaim lost stories of the past." This is Ethan Tsay and my NHD project this year was an individual website - Freedom Schools: Revolutionizing Education.

The most rewarding part of competing in National History Day is learning to transform the facts of history into an intimate story, especially stories of underrepresented minorities. From my projects on photography, Black barbershops, to the Freedom Schools this year, I've learned to reclaim lost stories of the past and reframing their significance in the broad spectrum of history. I am thankful for the Historical League's stipends and support, and grateful for the lifelong lessons NHD has taught me.

Best,

Ethan Tsay

Thank you from NHDAZ Anya Sridharan

 "It felt incredible to see our hours of hard work, dedication and effort pay off."

Anya Sridharan went to National History Day Nationals in June with "The Fight for Humanity: Terezin Ghetto". She and Jasmin Yap represented Willis Junior High and Arizona with this in-depth Group Exhibit on Nazi Germany and Czechoslovakia during WWII.

Anya's Thank you note to Cathy Shumard Cochair, Historical League Committee for Historical League was insightful. The Historical League is proud to support these industrious students.

Sent: Friday, July 3, 2026 05:56 PM

Subject: 2026 National History Day

Dear Ms. Shumard,

Thank you to you and the members of The Historical League for sponsoring my participation in National History Day.

It felt incredible to see our hours of hard work, dedication and effort pay off, and It was amazing to meet hundreds of kids from around the globe who are also passionate about history. I learned not only about my topic but also how to research, collaborate and persevere in the face of challenges.

Thank you again for your support and this amazing opportunity!

Sincerely,

Anya Sridharan

Anya Sridharan and Jasmin Yap

Thank you from Grahm Hardy NHDAZ student

 "I also loved the energy and excitement of the awards ceremony." Grahm Hardy's thank you note radiates enthusiasm for National History Day Arizona.

Dear Historical League,

My recent experience competing at the National History Day National competition was something I will always remember. My favorite part was touring the Capitol with the group and getting to see the national monuments. I also loved the energy and excitement of the awards ceremony and meeting so many nice people. It was cool getting to know my teammate Ziv more, and we were excited to take home a medal for Outstanding Entry Award.

Thank you for the support and help getting here. It was a lot of fun.

Grahm Hardy

Congratulations to you and Ziv Shemen! NHD awarded you both Outstanding Affiliate, junior group website, "The Nuclear Chain Reaction: The Explosive Discovery That Changed the World."

Thank you from NHD AZ Stefan Nickerson

 Stefen Nickerson writes, “Thank you so much for all the support at National History Day this year! I really enjoyed all of the friendliness and pin trading with other competitors. It was so fun seeing the campus and exploring the Washington DC area with all of its history.” 

He and Isaac Chau did a Junior Group Documentary: Year Zero, The Khmer Rouge Genocide.

Extra Thank you from Stefen's mom, Sarah Simons, "We had such a wonderful experience at this event and made lifetime memories. Stefen’s sister Sutton Nickerson is pictured with him. Sutton qualified for NHD Nationals three years ago but was unable to attend. It was great to finally get to go and see everything. Thank you!"

The Historical League is a benefactor of NHD, with scholarships, grants, friendships, support!

Vernon D. Swaback 1940-2026, Arizona Historymaker 2019

 Honored as 2019 Arizona Historymaker, the Historical League continues to tell the life story of Vern Swaback. He and his firm have been a profound presence in our State.

The Life Story of A Legendary Architect: Vernon Swaback | Historymakers Gala

https://youtu.be/Y3H5hKgT56g?si=IFWD2VjfDWBNPwAO

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our founder, Vernon D. Swaback, FAIA, FAICP, on July 5, 2026.

Vern Swaback founded this firm in 1978 with a conviction that great architecture begins with a deep respect for the land, the community, and the people a place is meant to serve. Over nearly five decades, he grew SWABACK from a one-man practice into a nationally recognized firm, while never losing sight of the philosophy that drove him from the beginning. A Fellow of both the American Institute of Architects and the American Institute of Certified Planners, a former Chairman and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, an author of 14 books, and one of the last direct apprentices of Frank Lloyd Wright, Vern brought a rare depth of purpose to everything he touched.

To those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, he was as much a teacher as he was a founder. His vision, his generosity, and his boundless curiosity shaped not only the places we design but the way we think about our responsibility to the world around us.

His architecture shaped places. His wisdom shaped people. He will be deeply missed.