Students Recognized at National History Day Contest

Students showcase research and storytelling skills on a national stage

Equality in History Winners (Credit-Laura-Wilson)

Thirty-eight Oregon students traveled to the University of Maryland this summer to compete in the National History Day® (NHD®) Contest, joining nearly 3,000 students from across the United States in one of the nation's premier history education competitions.

Representing 21 projects, Oregon students showcased original documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, and websites inspired by this year's theme, Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.

The students qualified for the national contest after advancing through Oregon History Day, the statewide affiliate of National History Day. The year-long academic program challenges students in grades 6–12 to conduct original historical research, analyze primary and secondary sources, and present their findings to a panel of volunteer judges.

In addition to competing, Oregon participants explored museums and historic sites throughout Washington, D.C., and enjoyed a special tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon. Students also met with Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and toured the U.S. Capitol with staff from Senator Ron Wyden's office, providing a firsthand look at the nation's history and government.

Oregon students also earned national recognition for several outstanding projects.

Westview High School students Naail Ahmad, Nathan Chandra, Byron Lau, and Ryan Lee received the Equality in History Award (Senior Division) for their documentary, Measure 9: Oregon's Hate and Oregon's Pride. Their project examined Oregon's 1992 Measure 9 and explored how public opposition to the proposed anti-LGBTQ+ ballot measure helped strengthen the movement for queer rights across the state.

Portland students and siblings Nia Vasquez and Zanna Vasquez earned the Latino American History Award (Senior Division) for their website, Low and Slow: How Lowriders Shaped America's Chicano Culture. Their project highlighted how lowrider culture challenged discrimination while celebrating Mexican American identity, culture, and community.

Two additional Oregon projects were recognized as Outstanding Affiliate Entries, honoring exceptional work from the state delegation.

In the Junior Division, Meadow Park Middle School students Rachel Hessel, Aishah Mushir, Sansita Premchander, Haya Shahid, and Surya Terrall received the Outstanding Affiliate Award for their group performance, Edward Jenner: How He Revolutionized, Reformed, and Caused a Reaction in Medicine.

In the Senior Division, Ridgeview High School student Finn Stancliff earned the Outstanding Affiliate Award for The John Harris Story: One Man's Reaction and a Nation's Reform, an original website examining the impact of one individual's actions on broader historical change.

Beyond the awards, National History Day provides students with opportunities to develop lasting skills in historical research, critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement.

"It has all been such a blast," said Oregon History Day volunteer judge Siddharth S. "I am so reinvigorated by the passion that some students put into their historical exhibits, and I believe they will represent Oregon well."

Students interested in participating in the next National History Day program can begin work on projects for the 2027 contest now. The upcoming theme, Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change, invites students to explore how innovation has shaped the past and continues to influence the world today.