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Cibecue students return to the National History Day stage in Maryland. By Toni Gibbons staff writer, April 23, 2026In a contest centering the past, a group of students from Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue proved their work is very much about the present.
At the National History Day Arizona State Competition, held April 11 in Phoenix through the Arizona Historical Society at South Mountain Community College, students from the Fort Apache-based school earned top honors while tackling one of history’s most complex themes: “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Their projects didn’t just recount events. They examined how those moments continue to shape communities today, particularly Indigenous communities whose stories are often told from the outside looking in.
“Our students represented Dishchii’bikoh Community School with excellence,” advisor Jeron Velasco said in a statement. “They demonstrated strong historical understanding, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with this year’s theme.”
That engagement translated into results across all divisions, with students earning placements, special awards and a national qualification.
In the senior division, Tanae Lupe led the way, earning second place in the individual exhibit category, multiple special awards and a national qualifying spot for her project, “Thanks to J.D.C. Atkinson, My Language is Dying.” She will advance to the National History Day competition this June at the University of Maryland.
Katelyn Thompson followed with a third-place finish in the same category for “Reform Within Limits: The Indian Citizenship Act,” earning designation as a national alternate.
Other senior division students added to the school’s strong showing. Matthew De Torres and Brady Tessay received a special award for “Viva Libertad,” while Marquez Duane, Kira Lupe and Christine Nightshield earned a special award for their project on
Native boarding schools. Lily Dehose contributed a powerful entry titled “The Bodies That Never Came Back,” and Chasity Gregg, Rikkah Gregg and Clarence Goseyun examined Apache history through “Lozen: The Apache Lady Warrior.”
In the junior division, Erick Gasmen explored “When Reform Failed: AndrĂ©s Bonifacio and the Birth of the Philippine Revolution,” examining how revolutionary movements can emerge when reform efforts fall short.
In the youth division, Jacinta Kinuthia and Jeros Velasco presented “Flower Against Tanks: The Bloodless 1986 People Power Revolution of the Philippines,” highlighting a peaceful uprising that reshaped a nation’s government.
Taken together, the projects reflected a wide geographic and cultural scope, but many shared a common thread: examining power, resistance and identity through deeply personal and often underrepresented perspectives.
That focus is at the heart of National History Day itself.
Founded in 1974 as a small regional contest in Cleveland, the program has grown into a nationwide academic competition that now engages more than half a million students each year. Through regional and state contests, students advance by researching topics tied to an annual theme, then presenting their work through exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites or research papers.
In Arizona, the program is coordinated through National History Day Arizona in partnership with the Arizona Historical Society, giving students access to research resources, mentorship and a pathway to national competition.
At DCS, that connection appears to run especially deep. From Indigenous language loss to the legacy of federal policy and the resilience of Native leaders, many of the students’ topics echoed issues still unfolding today.
School officials credited that success to a combination of student dedication and community support.
Velasco extended appreciation to the school board, administration, faculty and staff, along with families who supported students throughout the process. He also recognized coaches Simon Kibe and Gene Velasco for their guidance, and Virgil DeHose for ensuring transportation to the competition.
