Students Recognized for History Projects

Nearly 50 middle school students from three northeastern Wyoming counties competed for honors and showed their talent for research during History Day Wednesday at Sheridan’s Wesleyan Church.

Sharie Shada, who’s the district coordinator for the national observance, explained what History Day is about.

Shada said this year’s theme was “breaking barriers.” Students could choose whether to spotlight a physical barrier or an ideological one. Students then create their projects and bring them to be judged.

Shada said the competition starts at the district level, and students who win first through third place advance to the state contest. For Wyoming students, that’s on April 13 in Laramie. Students who win at the state level then compete in the national competition held in June in Maryland.

Competition in Sheridan started Wednesday morning with judging, then shortly before 11:30 a.m., the students’ exhibits were opened for public viewing. Prizes were awarded starting at around noon.

Shada said middle school students from four schools in three counties entered the competition in Sheridan, including Upton, Clear Creek Middle School in Buffalo, Holy Name in Sheridan and Big Horn Middle School in Big Horn.

Shada said students in seven districts across Wyoming were competing at the district level Wednesday.