At a time when civic understanding and critical thinking are more important than ever, students from across the state are exploring the past, developing their voices, and gaining skills that last a lifetime through National History Day Georgia.

Co-sponsored by Georgia Humanities and LaGrange College, National History Day Georgia is a statewide program that engages middle and high school students in original historical research presented through exhibits, performances, documentaries, websites, and papers. The result is not only academic growth, but personal transformation.

Last week, over 60 students from Georgia traveled to the University of Maryland at College Park to compete against students from across the country at the National History Day National Competition. Their exceptional performance demonstrates the caliber of scholarship fostered by a program that reaches nearly 12,000 students each year through schools and classrooms across Georgia.

Georgia Humanities is proud to share the students' achievements at this year’s national contest:

2nd Place Overall:

Stella Harp, Ola Middle School (Henry County) - Junior Individual Exhibit
Top 10 Overall:

Joshua Buchanan, General Ray Davis Middle School (Rockdale County) - Junior Individual Documentary
Brody Cunningham, Woodland Middle School (Henry County) - Junior Individual Performance
Joseph Smith, Smith Home Academy (Butts County) - Junior Individual Paper
Morgan Walker, Ola Middle School (Henry County) - Junior Individual Performance
Outstanding Affiliate Award Winners:
Brody Cunningham, Woodland Middle School (Henry County)
Litzy Sanchez-Cerecero, Vy Nguyen, Abrielle Miller, and Jacy Le, Morrow High School (Clayton County)
Featured Exhibit Showcase at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History:
Gabriela Galicia and Selena Nong, Morrow High School (Clayton County)
“National History Day Georgia changes lives,” said Mary Wearn, president of Georgia Humanities. “Students learn to think deeply, express themselves clearly, and connect across time and place.”

Dr. Kimberly Miles, social studies support specialist for Henry County Schools, shared: “The NHD program helped us build a district-wide culture of excellence in social studies. The program’s professional development has transformed our classrooms—students are engaged, teachers are empowered, and history feels alive.”

To help sustain and grow the program, Georgia Humanities is calling for public support. Thanks to a challenge grant from the Mellon Foundation, all donations to the program will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000.