NHDAZ thanks Historical League with Facebook video

Here are screen shots from a National History Day Arizona Facebook video featuring Leonard Moody, NHD education program co-ordinator.

The feeling is mutual!!!

NHDAZ student Thanvi Voruganti in Philadelphia for VFW Voice of Democracy awards

 NHDAZ student Thanvi Voruganti continues to impress. She traveled to Philadelphia recently to receive another award, this time VFW Voice of Democracy. Thanvi Voruganti, from Chandler, Arizona, represented the VFW Department of Arizona, and was awarded the $2,000 Department of California and Auxiliary Scholarship. Congratulations!!

We are grateful to Thanvi for working with Historical League members Cathy Shumard, Ruth McLeod and Zona Lorig, helping create the Arizona Historymakers Video shown at the Celebration for 2023 and 2025.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

2025-2026 Theme

"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" 

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in-regards-to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$15,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip Valley Forge.

State Contest NHDAZ report from Emily Hahn

162 students and 110 projects were presented at National History Day in Arizona state contest on Saturday, April 12. We heard all the details from AHS Education Curator Emily Hahn at our April meeting. The winners advance to National Competition in College Park, Maryland June 14-18. Exciting times!! 

"Heroes of Cibecue" Exhibit at Gila Co. Historical Society thanks to NHDAZ educator Jeron Velasco

National History Day Arizona Co-ordinator Leonard Moody comments, "We are so excited to see an NHDAZ teacher doing other wonderful things with his students and the community. Jeron Velasco has been heavily involved in the NHD competition for the Northern Regional that takes place in Flagstaff, bringing over 30 students to that competition in back to back years. We recognize Jeron, his fellow teachers, students, and of course the heroes their work represents." 

Read the story from White Mountain Independent March 21, 2026.

 FEATURED TOP STORY

Heroes of Cibecue exhibit opens in Globe

By Toni Gibbons Staff writer Mar 21, 2026 

In a ceremony that centered history, service and remembrance, the Heroes of Cibecue Museum Exhibit opened Feb. 28 at the Gila County Historical Society, bringing together veterans, students from Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue and leaders from across Arizona for a moment that carried both local and national significance.

The event drew families, educators and representatives from local, state and federal offices, reflecting the wide-reaching effects of a project rooted in one Apache community but felt far beyond it.

At its heart, the exhibit showcases the student-authored “Heroes of Cibecue” book series, a community-based history project documenting the lives and service of White Mountain Apache veterans.

Among those in attendance were Navajo County Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger, School Board President David Bonito, representatives from veterans organizations and congressional offices, and families of honored Apache veterans, including former Chairman Ronnie Lupe, Steven Lupe, Sr., Ernest Murphy and Korean War veteran Homer Beatty.

Artejia Adgerson and Katelyn Thompson, secretary and president of the Dishchii’bikoh Community School History Club, led the program, guiding attendees through a ceremony grounded in both tradition and purpose. Matilda Childs opened with prayer, followed by the National Anthem performed by Chasity Gregg.

Museum Manager Kenneth Johnson also spoke telling the story of the museum, exhibits and services they offer.

According to History Club adviser Jeron Velasco, the program’s most memorable moment came as Beatty, 96, received a replacement Purple Heart medal.

Beatty’s original medal had been lost in a series of house fires. But through coordination with congressional offices and veteran support networks, a replacement was secured and presented by VFW Arizona District 6 Commander Mark McCloy, VFW Department of Arizona Jr. Vice Commander Hugues Byrne and Jeff Timm, director for veterans and military service for Congressman Eli Crane.

As the medal was placed in Beatty’s hands, the crowd gathered on the museum porch fell silent. Velasco said the moment became a symbol of remembrance, sacrifice and the community’s commitment to ensuring that no hero is forgotten.

In his remarks, Velasco said the work behind the exhibit represents something deeper than a classroom project. “These students are becoming guardians of their own history,” he said, thanking the families, veterans organizations and community partners who helped bring the effort to life

During the program, Whitesinger formally accepted a rare collection of student artwork created in 1967 by children of Cibecue Day School. Donated by the Fast family of New Jersey through Marlowe Cassadore of the San Carlos Apache Cultural Museum, the collection reconnects today’s students with voices from nearly 60 years ago: a reminder that their work is part of a much longer story.

The exhibit features the student-authored books alongside family photographs of Apache veterans, each image and narrative capturing stories of service, resilience and identity.

The effect of the project is already being recognized nationally. It is supported by Arizona State University’s School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, and was recently named a recipient of the 2025 Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award. Students will also present their work at the National Council for History Education Conference later this month in Alabama.

Looking ahead, the exhibit will continue to travel. It is scheduled to be featured at the Heard Museum in Phoenix on May 25 as part of a Memorial Day celebration, where students will share their work alongside additional historic pieces from the 1967 collection.

Velasco also extended appreciation to the teachers and staff whose work helped bring the project to life, including Jovel Beramo, Julia Gasmen, Simon Kibe, Gene Velasco, Hilbert Hermoso, Christine Dawn Hermoso, Rubert Molavin, Ma. Lina Sangrador, Hedy Kelewood, Kathy Wallen, Lolita Endfield and Pris Williams.

School leaders, parents, veterans’ organizations and community partners, as well as Johnson and Bob Bigando, the museum executive director, were also recognized for their continued support.

Velasco said the exhibit represents more than a museum display. “It honors the past, empowers the present generation, and ensures that the stories of Apache veterans will continue to inspire future generations.”

Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS)

Connecting Arizonans across time and place through the power of their histories. That's what Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) workshop can do for rural Arizona educators. Supported by a passthrough grant from the Library of Congress, our Education Dept. went to Flagstaff. They met with Arizona teachers to discuss strategies for engaging students with authentic historical evidence, and gain experience integrating primary sources into classroom instruction.

Participants also visited the Pioneer Museum to explore how the AHS documents and artifacts could be instrumental in teaching local histories to students.

Perhaps these students will become involved in National History Day Arizona!

And the Historical League is proud to support this program.

New banners for Historical League special events

Ready to promote the Historical League at future events with these new banners, complete with QR code. 
 It will be fun to spot the different Arizona Historymakers.
The National History Day Arizona students are all smiles while traveling to Washington D.C. for National Competition.

NHDAZ student Thanvi Voruganti continues to impress

We are so proud of Thanvi and also her teacher Stacey who has worked with National History Day in Arizona students for many years. They have blossomed under her guidance.

NHD teacher Stacey Trepanier commented, "Super proud teacher/ mentor moment. After winning the VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest at district levels this amazing young lady won first in State. Along with a $2,000 scholarship award she is off to DC to compete at the National level. Incredibly proud of you Thanvi."

NHDAZ writes, "We’re thrilled to celebrate Thanvi Voruganti, who took home top honors in the VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest! Open to students in grades 9-12, the contest challenged participants to answer the big question, “How do you show your patriotism?” — and Thanvi delivered a powerful 3-5 minute audio essay.

Her essay, Beyond the Fireworks, won at the VFW John McCain Post, then placed 1st out of 10 at the district level, earning her a $2,000 scholarship and a spot at the national competition in Washington, DC

A huge shoutout to her teacher, Stacy Trepanier, for the support along the way!

Thanvi is a proud National History Day participant for over six years, bringing history to life by uncovering untold stories, interviewing veterans, and turning research into real-world civic action. With this project, she has applied her NHD learning to real-world impact through youth civic engagement and nonpartisan voter registration efforts.

Thanvi reminds us that patriotism isn’t just flags and fireworks — it’s curiosity, courage, and showing up every day."

NHD student Nathan Davies-Venn wins Martin Luther King award

The Historical League and National History Day AZ is proud to celebrate Nathan Davies-Venn, recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Action Award. 

A student of NHDAZ for the past four years, Nathan exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King through his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to justice, community, and empathy. 

As a member of his school’s Speech and Debate team, Nathan uses his voice to promote racial equality and social justice. He consistently approaches challenging topics with courage and integrity, encouraging inclusivity and respect both in and beyond the classroom.

His impact extends throughout the Chandler community through volunteering at his former elementary school, sharing his musical talents at church, assisting teachers, and giving back through local events. 

Nathan also runs Reenglad Sweets, a family peanut brittle business with his younger brother, Matthew, featuring traditional flavors inspired by Sierra Leone. He hopes to one day pass the business on to his future children and has already used its proceeds to support school programs, education, mentorship, athletics, music, and service.

Nathan’s journey has been guided and supported by his teacher, Stacy Trepanier, who nominated him for this honor. We are incredibly proud of Nathan’s achievements and grateful for the example he sets for the community.

Celebrating Nathan Davies-Venn and his award with family and friends (including Cathy and Tom Shumard) and amazing NHD teacher Stacey Trepanier!!

National History Day with Leonard Moody and Emma Weiss on Good Morning Arizona

NHD AZ Coordinator Leonard Moody and Emma Weiss—Arizona Historical Society intern at the Arizona History Museum and former NHD participant—sat down with Good Morning Arizona (AZ Family | KTVK 3TV & KPHO CBS 5) to talk all things National History Day and the 2026 theme: Revolution, Reaction, & Reform.

From student experiences to why this theme matters now, their conversation shows how NHD empowers students to research, think critically, and make history come alive.

Students: Ready to dive into big ideas, tell powerful stories, and compete at the state and national level? Join NHD Arizona for the 2026 season!