Over 325 middle and high school students will bring history to life at the Denver History Day Competition at Hamilton Middle School on Saturday, March 27. Students have spent months preparing for this annual competition. Denver History Day is the first level of competition in the National History Day program.

Students will compete in one of seven entry categories: historical papers, individual or group documentaries, individual or group performances, or individual or group exhibits. The morning competition will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the final competition rounds are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m.

Top placing entries from the Denver competition will advance to the Colorado History Day competition at the University of Colorado, Boulder, on Saturday, April 24. The top entries from that competition will represent the state of Colorado at the National History Day competition at the University of Maryland from June 12 to 17.

National History Day is a theme-based program that provides an exciting opportunity for students to learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. It encourages academic achievement and intellectual growth. Students also acquire useful historical knowledge and perspective and develop skills in research, critical thinking, analysis and historical significance by conducting extensive primary and secondary research. The 2004 theme is Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.

Hamilton Middle School is located at 8600 E. Dartmouth. For more information, please contact Becky Muggli, student activity specialist, 303-405-8274.