Student Competition Winners
13 Prince George’s County Students Win Awards At The Maryland History Day State Contest
Student competitions are a gateway to professional success, allowing students to strut their stuff in front of industry leaders and advance their skills. Maryland Humanities created a platform for middle and high school students to present their extensive historical research at the first in-person Maryland History Day State Contest in three years, the culmination of a year-long program from Maryland Humanities.
Known as Maryland History Day, the event sparks critical thinking and helps develop skills in research and analysis, writing, and public speaking. Thirteen students from Prince George’s County schools won first or second place in their category at school and/or district levels and will advance to national competition. In addition, Amber Heller, from Oxon Hill High School was recognized with the Maryland History Day District Teacher of the Year Award.
● Stephen Albert of Kenmoor Middle School received First Place for his Junior Individual Documentary.
● Lillian Merrill, Saniya Pearson, and Aliyah Smith of Accokeek Academy received Second Place for their Senior Group Performance.
● Shamaya Allwood, Aidan Hortman, Favor Okunola, Oluwalonimi Okuwa, and Steven Santos of Kenmoor Middle School received the Award for Excellence in African American History, Junior Division for their documentary on the Little Rock Nine.
● Micah Carroll of Parkdale High School received the Award for Excellence in Women’s History, Senior Division for her website on Fannie Lou Hamer.
● Ava Larkin of Oxon Hill High School awarded for her Senior Individual Exhibit of The Philippines During World War II
● Yesenia Cazares Lucero and Madelin Salamanca of Bladensburg High School received the Award for Excellence in LGBTQ+ History, Senior Division for their website on the Stonewall Riots.
The national competition involves students from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and international schools in China, Korea, and South Asia. Maryland History Day is an affiliate of National History Day, a non-profit education organization that promotes an appreciation for historical research among middle and high school students through multiple annual programs, including the National History Day Contest.
All photos are courtesy of Mitro Hood Photography.
