BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – “For me, it’s just really exciting,” said Hinesburg resident Mattea McCormick.
“It’s a very surreal experience,” Heureuse Ngalangala South Burlington resident said.
Students sharing their passion for green mountain state history.
Vermont History Day can be compared to a science fair but for history students. This year there are over 300 students participating in this event.
The has been around since 1983. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History.”
Students, curious and enthusiastic about learning of the past, bring that energy with them as they set up their displays and prepare for their presentations.
“People can learn and write about things that they might be passionate about and then also share it with others and teach others,” said Jahana Armstrong from Montpelier.
Students are judged and awarded prizes based on their individual presentations, group presentations, websites, documentaries, or performances.
Certain history lessons have been under fire across the country as school boards and state governments place restrictions on topics and areas of study. But students say they won’t be shying away from discussion.
“I think it’s super important to bring up racial issues especially as a very white state I think it’s super important for people to think about this kind of stuff,” Montpelier resident Juniper Keeton said.
“At this exact moment in time, I think it’s really crucial that we are continuing to examine different perspectives in history and really dig deep into it so that we can learn from our historic past and move forward,” said Megan Mallory of the Vermont History Society.
Just under 200 projects reflecting on the past and bringing in a new perspective.
“To be in this position now and to see the expansiveness of not only in the areas all over Vermont that are participating and also the topics, it’s a really special moment,” Mallory said.
The top two winners in each category are invited to take part in the national history day event in June.