HAGERSTOWN, MD (February 27, 2017) – Middle and high school students from Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) will be participating in the National History Day District Competition at the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The theme for the 2016-2017 competition is, “Taking a Stand in History.” Competing students have selected a topic, conducted research utilizing primary and secondary source material, developed a thesis and will present their work in one of six formats: museum-style exhibit, documentary, historical research paper, performance or website. Judges will score the entries and ten projects from each division, Junior (Middle School) and Senior (High School), will advance to the Maryland History Day competition on April 29, 2017 at University of Maryland/Baltimore County. All projects will be displayed at a community showcase, open to the public, on Tuesday, February 28 at the library from 3:30 – 6 p.m.

The National History Day Project promotes historical inquiry and research by encouraging discovery of the past. The program facilitates the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, oral and written communication skills and a sense of responsibility for an involvement in the democratic process. National History Day is a curriculum requirement for WCPS students enrolled in Advanced Placement European History, Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement World History, as well as Merit sixth and eighth grade classes.