South Haven Public Schools' History Club traveled to Central Michigan University to compete in the State Competition the weekend of April 22, 2023 after weeks of preparing. Over 300 competitors from the upper and lower peninsula attended vying for the top three spots in each category. This competition marks the 14th consecutive year that our team has represented Michigan at Nationals.
Out of the 17 projects that made it to the State Competition, 13 were recognized! "Our team members represented like champions," stated Team Advisor, Julie Sheppard. "They celebrated each other's accomplishments and showed great sportsmanship. I was very proud. We are excited about heading to Nationals and many are already thinking about next year's theme. I love bringing learning to life and the skills the students are learning will make them strong global citizens."
Listed below are the winning projects, falling under this year's theme: New Frontiers in History: People, Place, and Ideas.
Specialty Awards
The Best Entry in African American History
Youth Division
The Buckeye Bullet: Breaking Racial Barriers Through a New Frontier - Gwen Spencer, Annika Chalupa, and Haven Spencer
The Best Entry and Use of Primary Sources
Youth Division
Apollo 13: The Unplanned New Frontier in a New Frontier - Cooper Priebe and Everly Strebeck
The Adler Award for Best Entry in Women's History
Youth Division
"Bird Woman" Sacagawea and Her Legacy in Exploring the New Frontier - Tenley Klock
The James Campbell Award for Best Use of Oral History
Junior Division
Americanization "Kill the Indian, Save the Man" - Hayden Washegesic
Senior Division
An American First: A War Made for TV - Lauryn Daugherty and Lauren Bartlett
The Sam Breck Award for Best Entry in Railroad History
Overall Winner
Railroads: A New Frontier in War - Addison Williams, Noah Dubbink, and Ella Cook
Youth Group Documentary
1st Place
Railroads: A New Frontier in War - Ella Cook, Noah Dubbink, and Addison Williams
2nd Place
The Buckeye Bullet: Breaking Radical Barriers Through a New Frontier - Gwen Spencer, Haven Spencer, and Annika Chalupa
Youth Group Exhibits
1st Place
From Slave to Soldier - Omarion Robinson and Joshua Grimes
3rd Place
Terrorism on Our Turf: September 11th - A New Frontier - Starlin Trafton and Ellie Priebe
Youth Individual Performance
1st Place
"Bird Woman" Sacagawea and Her Legacy and Exploring the New Frontier - Tenley Klock
Youth Group Performance
1st Place
Apollo 13: The Unplanned New Frontier in a New Frontier - Cooper Priebe and Everly Strebeck
Junior Individual Performance
National Finalist
Americanization: "Kill the Indian, Save the Man" - Hayden Washegesic
Junior Group Performance
National Finalist
It all Started with a Mouse: Disney and the New Frontiers in Animation - Ty Anderson and Drew Olney
Junior Individual Documentary
National Finalist
The Stonewall that Didn't Fall - Cadence Phillips
Senior Individual Documentary
National Finalist
Everybody Dance Now: Martha Wash - Bringing Diversity and Positive Body Image to the Forefront - Tabitha Newberry
Senior Individual Performance
National Alternate
Vietnam: The War that Changed Wars - Ruby Peterson
State winners representing at Nationals
Back Row (Left to Right): Cadence Phillips, Ruby Peterson, Coach Sheppard, Drew Olney, Hayden Washegesic
Front Row (Left to Right): Tabitha Newberry, Ty Anderson