Students qualify for National History Day

By Nathan Oster

Nine students from Greybull have qualified for the National History Day competition next month on the campus of the University of Maryland.

GHS’s Jack Pharaoh and GMS’s Joey Boyer, Ella Keisel, Reagan Vigil, Dietrich Otto, Jose Acuna, Baron Eichelberger, Briston Craft and Alan Burgos earned the trips at State History Day held April 29 at the University of Wyoming’s Coe Library and Wyoming Union.

Students from across the state conducted year-long research projects based on the National History Day theme of “Rights and Responsibilities in History” and then produced impressive papers, exhibits, performances, or websites. 

At the senior level, Pharaoh’s “Tears in the Rain: Dealing with Mental Health” captured first place in the individual documentary category.

Pharaoh also won the $1,500 Gerald and Jessie Chambers Scholarship. The scholarship, sponsored by the American Heritage Center, is for an outstanding entry for a high school junior or senior to attend a college in Wyoming or the University of Wyoming.

William Thomas was Pharaoh’s teacher.

Junior division

“Changing the Face of Equality: The Impact of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Fight for Women’s Rights” captured second place in the junior group exhibit category.

Ellasyn Keisel, Josephine Boyer, and Reagan Vigil captured second place in the junior group exhibit category with their entry titled, “Changing the Face of Equality: The Impact of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Fight for Women’s Rights”

Dietrich Otto’s historical paper on the Battle of Gettysburg and its impact on African Americans earned second-place honors in the junior paper category.

Baron Eichelberger, Briston Craft, Alan Burgos and Jose Acuna produced a website project, “Segregated Races Marching for Jobs, Freedom and Equality,” that garnered runner-up recognition in the junior division.

Michelle Stebner is the History Day advisor at GMS.

Fundraiser

GMS has launched a fundraiser to send the students to the national competition. 

The school is currently seeking donations for a silent auction — gift baskets, items, services and more.  If you’d like to contribute, contact one of the students or their parents. The silent auction ends Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. during GMS Parent Night.

Donation jars have also been placed at GES and GMS.

All proceeds will help cover flights, lodging, meals and the unforgettable experience that awaits them at National History Day.