North Carolina students to compete in National History Day 2025

North Carolina’s brightest young historians are heading to nationals! 67 students will compete at the prestigious National History Day Contest this June.

In a showcase of historical scholarship, 67 students from across North Carolina are preparing to compete on the national stage, representing their state at the prestigious 2025 National History Day Contest. These young historians, selected from 24 schools statewide, will join approximately 3,000 peers from around the world at the University of Maryland in College Park June 8-12.

North Carolina’s rising historians tackle “Rights and Responsibilities”

The North Carolina History Day program, which reached over 5,000 participants this year, challenged students to explore historical topics aligned with the theme “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” Through this initiative, managed by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), students developed comprehensive research projects presented through various creative formats.

“The most powerful part of this program is that it’s student-driven,” explained Karen Ipock, State Coordinator for N.C. History Day. “Students pick topics that genuinely interest them, which sparks deep engagement and creative expression — whether that’s designing a website, writing a paper, or producing a live performance.”

Special recognition for exceptional projects

Several North Carolina students have earned additional honors with invitations to showcase their work in Washington, D.C. Among these distinguished presentations:

• Thanapat Lucksanapirak, an 8th grader from Cary, will present his documentary on global trade at the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Oprah Winfrey Theater

• Andrew Lar from Watauga High School will participate in a prestigious writer’s workshop with the White House Historical Association

• Elsie-Mae Clayton, a 6th grader from Swain County, will display her exhibit about Fontana Dam at the National Museum of American History

• A group of students from Classical Scholars in Mills River will perform their piece on disability rights activism at the National Museum of American History

Educational excellence recognized

The state’s commitment to historical education extends beyond student achievements. Two North Carolina educators—Jeffrey Stanek from Holly Shelter Middle School and Emily Lemus from EDGE Academy of Health Science—have been nominated for national teaching excellence awards, highlighting the state’s dedication to quality history education.

The competition features participants from three regions across North Carolina – West, Piedmont, and East – representing diverse schools and communities. Students will compete for top honors and special prizes, with some awards offering up to $2,000 for outstanding historical research.

North Carolina History Day is part of the larger National History Day program, which engages over half a million students annually across all U.S. states and territories. For more information about the program, visit www.dncr.nc.gov/nchistoryday.