History Day 2026 showcased an impressive range of scholarship and creativity this year, with 63 sixth- and eighth‑grade students competing at the local level on Feb. 10. Working within the theme “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” students explored turning points that reshaped societies, challenged norms, and sparked lasting change. Their projects reflected deep research and thoughtful storytelling, which began in Sept. 2025, across four categories: Documentary, Exhibit, Website and Performance.

Students examined topics through the lens of scientific breakthroughs, cultural upheavals, political conflicts and technological innovations. A selection of their work titles illustrates the breadth of their research:

• Documentaries included projects such as After the Silence: How Patty Wetterling Revolutionized Child Safety, The Great Emu War of 1932, and Apollo 13: The Successful Failure.
• Websites explored subjects like Instant Replay: A Revolution to the Sports World, The Invention of Email: Connecting the World, and Alternating History: The War of Currents.
• Exhibits featured topics such as A Knife to the Mind: The Fall of the Lobotomy in Psychiatric Care, Unmasking Ted Bundy: The Revolution of Behavioral Analysis and Forensics, and The Boston Massacre: The Impacts on the Colonists and the Desire for Independence.
• Performances highlighted compelling narratives, including From Genetic Breakthrough to Public Scrutiny: The Dual Story of Genetically Modified Seeds and Al Capone and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: A Menace to Sobriety.

From the field of entries, 19 projects advanced to the regional competition on March 3, where students will virtually present their work to a broader audience. Their achievements reflect not only academic skill but also curiosity, persistence and a growing understanding of how historical change continues to shape the world. Go Tigers.