NHD student Emma Weiss now NHD judge, U of A student and volunteer at AHS

 Watching Emma Weiss grow through National History Day is rewarding. She is pursuing her passion and now attends University of Arizona, while also volunteering at Tucson's Arizona History Museum. Her knowledge of NHD made her an understanding and compassionate judge at the regional contest.

NHD touches lives in so many ways!

NHDAZ co-ordinator Leonard Moody comments, "Emma is working on student resources to help them build their projects for NHD. We share these resources with teachers through our mailing list and also will be posting them to our website."

2026 U of A student, NHD judge, AHS museum volunteer

2024 NHD student

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!

March Historical League Meeting

 President Jolynn Clarke conducted an information-filled March meeting. AHS updates with Dr. Breeckner (Legislature, museum construction), Vincent Bradley (Capital Campaign), Leonard Moody (NHDAZ), Emily Hahn (3rd grade postcard contest). Dr. Rex beamed in via video of the postcard winners.

Thanks to Sandy Loeffler for Luck of the Irish decor

yummy food (especially the Tomato Bisque) from Creations by Sergio

  

Greg McNamee presented a program about the Gila River, with plenty of pictures. He is the author of Gila: The Life and Death of an American River; The Ancient Southwest; Tortillas, Tiswin & T-Bones: A Food History of the Southwest; The University of Arizona: A History in 100 Stories; and The Desert Reader.

David Smith: Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame 2026 Inductee

 Congrats to David Smith, Inductee into Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, husband of Arizona Historymaker Co-Chair Diana Smith, and all around great guy! Don't forget his dedication to National History Day also!

David Smith has devoted decades to strengthening Scottsdale through public service, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. A former Scottsdale City Council member and the city’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, David championed transparent governance, responsible budgeting, and long-term financial planning. He further advanced civic involvement as chair of the Citizen’s Budget Review Committee, ensuring residents had a voice in shaping Scottsdale’s financial future.

Beyond government service, David has made significant philanthropic and cultural contributions. He is a dedicated Board of Trustees member and treasurer for Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, supporting the preservation and celebration of the American West. David and his wife, Diana, also strengthened the local business community as co-owners of Scottsdale Airpark News, a publication that highlighted Scottsdale’s growth and entrepreneurial spirit.

With a career rooted in integrity, public service, and civic pride, David Smith’s enduring contributions have helped shape Scottsdale into the vibrant community it is today.

Preserve The Future By Honoring The Past!

Friday, May 15, 2026

6:00-6:45pm Cocktail Reception

7:00-9:00pm Program & Dinner

Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort

5001 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

NHDAZ student Dorothy Zhou Christmas ornament wins

A moment worth celebrating! 🎄✨ NHDAZ student Dorothy Zhou will have an ornament she designed displayed on the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.
Be sure to watch the video to see Dorothy talk about her ornament during her interview on a local Fox News station 🎥

Dorothy received national recognition in 2024 for her patriotic artwork as a winner of the America’s Field Trip contest – an outstanding accomplishment we are so proud of.

Congratulations, Dorothy! Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a joyful New Year! 

Another ornament honors Route 66

2024 Patriotic artwork winner from America's Field Trip contest

qr code for video of interview on facebook

2025 Arizona History Teacher of the Year, Jeron Velasco

Congratulations Jeron Velasco. Thanks also to your dedication to the National History Day in Arizona program at Dishchii’bikoh Community School, White Mountain Apache Reservation in Cibecue, AZ. Jeron and his wife, Gene, were among the four teachers and two AHS advisors who accompanied 37 Arizona NHD finalist to Washington D.C. in June. Your students are excelling with your leadership.

Arizona Department of Education's post

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Arizona Department of Education

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To Mr. Jeron Velasco: Arizona History Teacher of the Year

We are proud to announce that Mr. Jeron Velasco has been named the Arizona History Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in history education. While all nominees this year demonstrated exceptional commitment and talent, the selection committee unanimously chose Mr. Velasco for his outstanding dedication to engaging students and enriching his community through the study of history.

Jeron Velasco is a Filipino Cultural Exchange Teacher, speaker, and educator with over 12 years of experience across high school, college, and graduate levels in both the Philippines and the United States. He currently teaches Social Studies at Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona, where he empowers Indigenous students through culturally responsive teaching, historical research, and civic engagement.

Jeron is the founder and adviser of the Dishchii’bikoh History Club, which has produced student-led publications such as Heroes of Cibecue and earned national recognition through programs like National History Day. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Development Studies while continuing to speak and mentor educators internationally.

Not only was Mr. Velasco selected as Arizona History Teacher of the Year, he was chosen as a C-SPAN Teacher Fellow for his work in civic education and historical storytelling. Reflecting on his approach, Jeron shares: “My inspiration comes from my students’ untold stories and the urgent need to make history matter in their lives. I approach history as a living, breathing subject—rooted in identity, justice, and action.”

(Launching the Dishchii’bikoh History Club – For the first time in school history, over 40 students joined the regional contest under History Club and it explored Indigenous topics and local history. This grassroots initiative became a safe space for youth to examine community issues through historical research.)

He believes in empowering students to become historians of their own communities: “Whether through interviewing Apache veterans, researching tribal treaties, or presenting at national competitions, my students do not just learn history—they make it. They see themselves as leaders, scholars, and changemakers.”

(MMIW National Advocacy – Two of my students took their National History Day project on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) to the national stage. Their work earned them interviews and special awards, amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and raising awareness of this critical issue.)

Receiving national recognition, Jeron emphasized the deeper meaning of the honor: “It is a celebration of my students, their ancestors, and the community of Cibecue. It affirms that rural, Indigenous, and marginalized voices deserve to be heard, studied, and honored on national platforms.”

(Heroes of Cibecue Co-Writers – Students became partner-authors for a published book honoring White Mountain Apache veterans like Steven and Ronnie. Their research and interviews formed the basis of a living history project. We are currently working on a second volume to include more stories and tributes from families and community members.)

His passion, leadership, and innovative teaching practices continue to inspire both students and colleagues alike. Mr. Velasco is now a candidate for the National History Teacher of the Year contest where the nominee has a chance to win a $10,000 award and the recognition from history educators across the nation. We celebrate his achievement and thank him for his invaluable contributions to education in Arizona and beyond!