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.