NHDAZ students wear cowboy hats at Nationals in June

Nothing says Arizona like cowboy hats and that's how National History Day students are more visible at Nationals in June. The Historical League provides funding for many aspects of NHD but the cowboy hats, t-shirts, pins and swag make it more fun and they stand out in the crowds.

This year they were given plain cowboy hats along with red bands, pseudo leather NHD patches, and pins to decorate the hats. Each student makes his/her own unique hats, adding whatever touches they want.

We will see the original designs when they are competing at College Park, University of Maryland in June.

Jolynn Clarke, Josie Pete, Cathy Shumard hand out hats, pins, t-shirts for 2025 NHDAZ students.

Check out 2024 students at National Competition. 

NHD students going to Nationals in Washington, D.C.

 The future of our country is in good hands as evidenced by the National History Day students. Grades 9-12 participated in a mentoring session at Western Spirit Museum of the West, preparing to go to Washington D.C. for National Competition in June.

The Historical League gives monetary help with air fair ($300 each) and travel expenses ($200 each) for the exhibits, t-shirts, cowboy hats and more. We are proud to sponsor the 38 students (including 4 teachers) going to Nationals this year.

Shipping this exhibit is costly. The Historical League gives $200 per student to defray costs of shipping to Washington D.C.

Pam den Draak hands out $300 checks to students for travel expenses.

NHD Students win Historical League Award for Arizona Story

  In-depth documentary by NHD students Nathan Davies-Venn and Max Luo took first place in Junior Group Documentary. They are recipients of Historical League award: Best Junior Group Award for an Arizona Story, each earning $150.

Love the "Special Thanks" page acknowledging Historical League members Stacey Trepanier(teacher) and Dr. Josephine Pete for their invaluable assistance with the documentary.

Nathan and Max are excited to head to Nationals in College Park, MD in June.

Thanks to Scottsdale's Museum of the West for hosting this mentoring day.

Day at the Museum: Western Spirit

Exciting day at Western Spirit Museum of the West for National History Day students as they prepare for Nationals. This mentoring session is another chance to have helpful suggestions to fine-tune their projects before the June event at College Park, University of Maryland.

Historical League members greeted the students at 9 am, handing out cowboy hats, pins, NHD t-shirts and fun stuff. Thanks to Cathy Shumard for not only organizing volunteer duties but staying through the day for updates on the Washington D.C. trip, mentoring, and encouraging these amazing students. Other volunteers were Jolynn Clarke, Pam den Draak, Ruth McLeod and Josie Pete.

NHD is a program we are passionate about. We not only volunteer but we provide funding to the students with air fare and transportation for exhibits, underwrite t-shirts, cowboy hats, pins for trading and lots of swag to make this a fun and educational time. 

Thanks to Wade Weber and Western Spirit for sponsoring the NHD zip hoodies and this event. 

Pam den Draak, Cathy Shumard, Nathan Davies-Venn, Max Luo, Josie Pete, Ruth McLeod, Jolynn Clarke

Max Luo and Nathan Davies-Venn receive Historical Award ($150 each) from Cathy Shumard and Pam den Draak for their documentary Desert Inferno: Tracing the Lines of Inequality. 

It won Best Junior Group Award for an Arizona Story.

Happy to receive NHD zip hoodies for Washington D.C. ceremonies, sponsored by the Historical League

Pam den Draak hands out $300 travel vouchers for each student

AHS Education Dept. Taylor Kyle, Leonard Moody, Dr. Kristen Rex, Emily Hahn

Inspired by 5Cs of Arizona, Addie wins postcard contest

 Addie tells us the sunset and the 5Cs inspired her artwork for the 3rd grade postcard contest. Dr. Kristen Rex delivered the award and swag bag to Addie and writes, "Just finished my pizza party at the Duncan primary school. When I went to give Addie our winner, her swag bag the class surprised me with my own Duncan swag bag all sorts of treats and treasures! I am so blessed. Fun fact, my dad went to kindergarten in Duncan, Arizona, and I included the postcard of the original elementary school from my swag bag. PS sold out all the postcards, all 50."

Paisley Ann Walker wins 3rd grade postcard contest

 Paisley Ann Walker celebrated with her art teacher, extra Mom, classmates and her Great Grandmother at her pizza party!

Many students are learning about Arizona history through this 3rd grarde postcard contest. And AHS Dr. Kristen Rex is making it fun for everyone. The Historical League is proud to support this program.

Harper and Mika celebrate winning 3rd grade postcard contest together

 Dr. Kristen Rex gave Arizona third grade postcard contest awards to two students and writes, "They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice but at Benson primary school…it hit big! Both Harper and Mika celebrated their class pizza parties together after winning this year‘s postcard contest. Families came out, the press was there to record the event, and a great time was had by all!"