Local Students Take Top Honors at Regional History Competition

By NIKKA DE LA CUESTACOOPERSTOWN

On February 28, Cooperstown Central School hosted a regional National History Day competition, drawing students from across the Catskill region to showcase their research, creativity, and passion for history. This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History,” coincided with the 250th anniversary of the United States and invited students to examine how actions, ideas, and events can spark change locally, nationally, and globally. The event featured exhibits, models, documentaries, websites, and papers that approached the theme from a wide range of perspectives. Participants came from Cooperstown, Milford, and Richfield, primarily junior-high students, along with a few freshmen from Cooperstown. They not only presented months of dedicated work but also connected with peers, received feedback from judges, and deepened their understanding of how the past continues to shape the world around them.

Teachers, judges and the broader school community played a vital role in making the National History Day competition a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Cooperstown Central School teachers guided students through each step of the research process, from developing strong thesis statements to refining their final presentations. Volunteer judges, including educators, local historians, and history enthusiasts, devoted their time to carefully reviewing each project and offering thoughtful, constructive feedback.

Cristal De La Cruz, the NYSHD state coordinator, was impressed with the quality of the students’ work, saying she is “always in awe of the breadth of knowledge and creativity that students bring to all levels of the NHD contests.”