Repeat Champion!

My kid defended his state championship in History Day this year.  He went in to it as an experienced documentary maker this time, but still, to end the day in first place is quite an accomplishment.  In Minnesota 30,000 kids start out at History Day.  Only 1300 make it to the State Competition.  Both my boys were in that number- unfortunately in the same category- so going head to head.  Luckily, they were never judged in the same room.  And Theo and his crew of 6th grade boys had a wild ride at State- not only moving on to the finals, but coming home with an Honorable Mention ribbon.  For 4 6th grade boys to end up as one of the top 16 middle school documentaries in the whole state was quite an accomplishment and they were thrilled when announced and ran on to stage with arms held high (Theo dressed in his brand new Ravenclaw sweater and scarf, by the way).  Then to find out that Eli and his two partners had not only defended their state championship, but were headed back to nationals once again- it was a great way to end that long day!

I am a true believer in History Day.  It is project-based, it encourages depth over breadth, it puts a premium on accessing primary sources, and gives real-world, real-time feedback that the kids listen to.  What is not to like?  Eli and his team have a deep understanding, not only on the role of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade's role in the Spanish Civil War, but on the political arena in Spain and Europe in the run up to World War II, as well as the push and pull on President Roosevelt to remain neutral in foreign entanglements.  They were able to apply what they learned about our country pre-world war II to what is going on today in terms of isolationism and neutrality versus engagement.  They interviewed experts both locally and nationally.  And they compiled a 34 page annotated bibiliography.  I say this all as both a proud mom and a wowed educator.  Give the kids a little reason to get competitive, plus the time and space to really dig in, and look what they can do!

The only drawback is that the trip to DC is right when Eli is supposed to be in Yellowstone with us, celebrating my parents' 50th wedding anniversary.  That breaks my heart, but he's pumped to represent his sweet little school at Nationals, and I can't get in the way of that!