Students from Marshalltown High School who participated in National History Day projects include, front row, from left, Ryne Downey and Jacqueline Wahl, Back row, Madeline Jelken, David Wahl and Victoria Johnson.

Miller Middle School and Marshalltown High School students competed in the National History Day AEA 267 West regional held at Central College in Pella on March 30. In NHD, students complete a research project centered around the current theme. This year’s theme is “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.” After researching, students can work as individuals or groups to show their findings in the form of an exhibit, website, documentary, performance or research paper. 

Students from MHS who competed were:

Jacqueline Wahl and Victoria Johnson – group exhibit -” The Telegraph: An Exploration of a New Information Exchange.”

Ryne Downey and David Wahl – group exhibit – “Encountering Conflict in the Exploration of Aviation: Wright Brothers vs Curtiss.”

Madeline Jelken – individual website – “Emma Goldman: The Great American Instigator.”

Jacqueline and Victoria were chosen as one of the top two entries in their category of group exhibit and will next compete at the state level on April 25 in Des Moines at the Iowa Events Center.

Ryne and David received “honorable mention” in their category.

Students competing from Miller Middle School were:

Mia Barajas, Molly Sickles and Kaylee Foth- group documentary- “Triumph through Tragedy:  Christa McAuliffe and the Teacher in Space Program. 

Victor Zavala Livengood- individual exhibit- “Lorenzo de Zavala.”

Mary Kate Gruening- individual website- “The Underground Railroad.”

Emily Manis and Laura Arneson- group exhibit- “The Orphan Trains.”

Emily and Laura received “honorable mention” in their category.

These students all completed their projects as part of the Extended Learning Programs at MHS and MMS.

Miller Middle School students Emily Manis, left, and Laura Arneson are pictured with their award-winning National History Day project titled “The Orphan Trains.” The duo won an honorable mention at the regional event held March 30 at Central College in Pella.