History Day is an annual national competition that provides middle and high school students with the opportunity to learn about historical issues, ideas, people, and events.

Students select a topic in local, national or world history and investigate its historical significance and relationship to the annual theme by conducting extensive primary and secondary research.

The theme for the 2002 competition is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

Denver Public Schools is holding its district competition on Saturday, March 9, at Hamilton Middle School, 8600 East Dartmouth.

Almost 400 middle and high school students have registered to compete. Junior Division is made up of students in grades 6, 7, & 8. Senior Division is made up of students in grades 9, 10, 11, & 12. Groups consist of 2 to 5 students.

Students may enter in the following, in either Junior or Senior Category:

1. Historical Paper (must be written by an individual)
   
2. Individual Documentary (video tape, computer program, slide show)
   
3. Group Documentary
   
4. Individual Performance
   
5. Group Performance
   
6. Individual Exhibit (display)
   
7. Group Exhibit

Historical papers have been in the hands of the judges for the past two weeks. The judges will interview the students who wrote the papers at the competition on Saturday (judges and students only in the interview room).

The rest of the competition will be held on Saturday according to the following schedule:

• Documentaries – 9:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. (observers welcome); final run-off judging for some groups beginning at 1:30 p.m. (observers welcome).
  
• Performances – 9:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. (observers welcome); final run-off judging for some groups beginning at 1:30 p.m. (observers welcome)
  
• Exhibits – On public display from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and again from noon - 1:30 p.m.; judges only in the exhibit area for preliminary judging from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.; student interviews from 10:30 until 11:40 (judges and students only, but the media would be welcome); final run-off judging beginning at 1:30 (judges only).
  
• Awards are scheduled to begin at 3:30.

One hundred community members have volunteered to judge this competition, including individuals from the Colorado Historical Society, University of Colorado at Denver, University of Colorado at Boulder, and Attorney Generals Office; retired teachers; and others who are interested in history and kids. Judges come back year after year and recruit their friends to join.

History Day is an exciting event – the school is filled with students enthused about history – and will provide ample opportunity for photos (exhibits, students in costume, etc.).

For more information, please call Becky Muggli, Gifted and Talented Department, 303-405-6274.