Washington, DC – Eleni Staikos, a student at P.S. DuPont Middle School in Wilmington, Delaware recently competed in the National History Day Contest, held at the University of Maryland, College Park in the Washington, DC area, June 11-15. She was awarded the WWII History Prize and the Delaware Outstanding Entry Prize.
The 2017 theme for the contest was Taking a Stand in History. Eleni Staikos joined more than half a million students globally who completed projects in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Eleni Staikos created an individual exhibit project titled “Take a Stand: Abduct a German General.”
After completing a project, students compete in a series of contests beginning at the local level. The top students in all 50 states, DC, US territories and international schools are given the opportunity to attend the National Contest.
“The work students put into these projects is astounding,” said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “To make it to the National Contest is a remarkable achievement. Less than 1% of all projects make it to this level. It requires a superb level of research and critical thinking skills. I am confident we will continue to see great things from all of these students because the skills learned through competing in NHD help prepare students for success in college and career.”
More than 300 historians and education professionals evaluate the students’ work at the national competition. $150,000 in scholarships were awarded at the national awards ceremony and more than 100 students took home cash prizes between $250 and $1,000 for superior work in a particular category of judging.