FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2004
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Announces Recognition for Maine Students in National History Day Finals at University of Maryland

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky announced on Monday that five students from Maine have been recognized for their outstanding entries in the National History Day (NHD) finals, held from June 13-17, 2004 at the University of Maryland in College Park. The individuals selected for recognition were among more than 40 Maine students who qualified to participate in the national finals as a result of their success in the Maine National History Day state contest, which took place April 8th at the Buker School in Augusta .

“ Maine can be proud of its participants in this year's National History Day educational program. Entries in the state finals last April were of excellent quality, and those selected for the national finals were outstanding. I want to congratulate all students and teachers who participated, and recognize the five individuals selected as having presented the best material from the State of Maine ,” Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky commented.

Two projects were selected as the best entries from Maine at the National History Day competition. The first was created by Luke Boucher, Kayle Hamilton and Casey McKague of Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton. Working with teacher Michael Morong, these students' Junior Group Exhibit was titled “ From Negro Leagues to Cooperstown : Jackie Robinson and his Encounters in Baseball”.

The second selection was produced by Nina Pinette and Kim Simonsen of Bonny Eagle High School in Standish. Their Senior Group Exhibit, also overseen by teacher M ichael Morong, was titled “Rockefeller's Roads: Exploring Acadia 's Unique Landscape”.

National History Day is a year-long educational program that culminates in a national final competition each June. Open to students in grades 6-12, NHD invites young people to explore a topic of historical importance. Students then develop exhibits, research papers, performances, or multimedia documentaries.  These projects are evaluated at local, state, and national competitions.

The program adds a new dimension to teaching and learning history, and rewards students for initiative, creativity and scholarship. The program seeks to change the way history is taught and learned by challenging students to conduct historical inquiry and by providing a positive learning environment in which students' work is evaluated outside the classroom.

Maine National History Day is coordinated by the Maine State Archives, a bureau in the Department of the Secretary of State. The Archives is the official repository of records deemed to have permanent value to the state, such as the original Maine constitution. More information about National History Day and the Maine State Archives is available online at www.maine.gov/sos/arc .