After competing against approximately 8,300 students from across the state, 68 winners will represent Tennessee in the final stage of competition at National History Day (NHD) this summer. Advancing students placed first or second in their categories at Tennessee History Day on Saturday, April 13.

Participants entered documentaries, exhibits, performances, websites and papers all based on this year’s theme, “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” Out of 162 submitted projects, 102 students received medals for their efforts, 20 students were awarded special prizes and two teachers were recognized as educators of the year.

“I’m delighted to see 68 of Tennessee’s brightest students advance to compete at National History Day,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “Their participation encourages the study of local and national history and helps them engage in important societal topics that have shaped our state and country. I’m proud to support this program and wish participants luck as they take the national stage this summer."

NHD will take place June 9-13 on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, Md. where top finishers will earn prestigious awards and scholarships.

“We’ve seen the students challenge themselves this year,” Tennessee History Day coordinator Jennifer C. Core said. “They’ve tackled difficult subjects, such as genocide and natural disasters, and explored great victories throughout history. They’ve learned to examine primary sources critically and how to conduct themselves in interviews with the judges.”

The Tennessee Historical Society has sponsored Tennessee History Day since 2009 with grant support from the Secretary of State’s office, Humanities Tennessee, the Memorial Foundation and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For more information, visit http://www.tennesseehistory.org/tennessee-history-day/.