Historical Society of Michigan 5815 Executive Dr. Lansing, MI 48911 Contact: Nancy Feldbush (517) 324-1828 <mailto:feldbush@hsmichigan.org> feldbush@hsmichigan.org For Immediate Release MICHIGAN STUDENTS HONORED AT 2016 NATIONAL HISTORY DAY COLLEGE PARK, Md.-Michigan students were among the thousands of participants from across the United States and several territories competing in the 2016 National History Day contest, which took place June 12-16, 2016, in College Park, Md. Seven Michigan students received special honors at this year's competition. "The History Day theme for 2016-Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History-allowed our students to investigate interesting topics and led them to produce very creative projects," said Andrea Lorion, State Coordinator for Michigan History Day (National History Day in Michigan). "We are proud of all the hard work and accomplishments of all our students throughout the History Day program." Michigan students competing in the National History Day competition represented several cities, including Ada, Bay City, Bloomfield Hills, Cassopolis, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Houghton, Kalamazoo, Marshall, Midland, Muskegon, Richland, South Haven, Traverse City and Whitehall. SPECIAL RECOGNITION Mackenzie Brandel from Whitehall High School in Whitehall was selected to represent Michigan at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History with her exhibit, "Encountering Change: Whitehall Girls' Cross Country, The Glass Ceiling, and the Power of Sport." Mackenzie was sponsored by coach Jan Klco. Daniela Castillo of Traverse City West Middle School in Traverse City, teacher Brett Graham, was the Special Award recipient for the Junior Division Latino-American History Award for Junior Paper with her entry, "Rosario Castellanos: A Journey to Equality Through Self-Expression - An Essay on Exploration, Encounter and Exchange." Ellie DuRussel and Victoria Wooley of Handy Middle School in Bay City, teacher Bob Pawlak, received the Junior Division Outstanding State Entry Award, designating them as best-in-state for Junior Group Website with their entry "World War II War Brides." Charles Parsons of Midland High School in Midland, teacher Valentina Woodcraft, placed fifth in the nation for Senior Individual Website with his entry "Bypass Odorizer: Stinky Sulfur Smell Saves Lives." Charles also received the Senior Division Outstanding State Entry Award, designating him as best-in-state. Hannah Lane-Davies of Anne Lape Homeschool in Kalamazoo, teacher Anne Lape, placed fifth in the nation for Senior Individual Documentary with her entry "Instant Cure: The Encounter that Changed Psychology." Dorris Dagama of Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids, teacher James Cross, placed tenth in the nation for Senior Individual Website with her entry "Mike Gorman: Exploration and Exchange in the People's Fight for the Mentally Ill." TEACHER AWARDS The Patricia Behring Award recognizes two teachers from each state, one at the junior level and one at the senior level. James Cross from Forest Hills Eastern Middle School in Ada, Mich., received the junior division award, and Craig Windt from Bay City Central High School in Bay City, Mich., received the senior division award. The teachers selected have shown outstanding creativity, commitment and inspiration in developing student interest in history. Each teacher will receive a cash award of $500 in honor of their contributions to history education through the National History Day program. Michigan History Day is an educational program of the Historical Society of Michigan, the state's oldest cultural organization. Major sponsors of Michigan History Day are the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Meijer and Amway. Michigan History Day is an affiliate of National History Day, which was established in 1974 and offers yearlong academic programs that engage more than half a million middle- and high-school students around the world annually. # # # This e-mail is sent to our members and friends to keep you updated on historical activities and opportunities to learn more about our state's history. To opt-out, please respond to this e-mail with "remove" in the subject line.