bmdunham@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

Over 100 middle and high school students competed in CMU’s History Day Saturday.

History Day provides students with a compelling way to learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. Students acquire higher-level research and analysis skills as they prepare a documentary, exhibit, performance, paper or website category to present.

Students present their entries and are interviewed by judges. This year’s theme was “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History.”

“National History Day students are critical thinkers who can digest, analyze and synthesize info,” History Professor Vincent Patarino said.

These skills prepare many participants for the challenges of higher academia.

Many competitions were open to the public, ending with an awards ceremony.

In May, the top five entries in each category and age division will advance to the Colorado History Day Competition at the University of Colorado at Denver. The top two state entries in each category and age division will be invited to participate in the National History Day Competition in June 2012 at the University of Maryland at College Park.

Monetary prizes, scholarships and special awards are presented to national award winners. Students at the regional competition receive award certificates and valuable experience.

For more information, call Patarino at 248-1490 or email vpatarin@coloradomesa.edu.