Last year Amanda Rooker (10) was a freshman at SJHHS, a smart girl with big dreams and a love for history. At the beginning of summer, she made her debut at the final stage of the National History Day Competition.

National History Day is a worldwide competition where students create research papers, websites, exhibits, historical performances, or documentaries all pertaining to the year’s designated theme. More than half a million students compete across the country, working through local, state, and national levels all the way to the top.

The final stage of the NHD competition was held at the University of Maryland.

“I was very excited to go to the east coast. When I got to the competition I met people from around the world with the same love for history that I have, and that was incredible,” said, Rooker.

The overall historical theme that year was Rights and Responsibilities. Rooker chose her topic and category without hesitation.

“The category I competed in was an individual performance. I portrayed the Supreme Court Case: Tinker vs. Des Moines, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment Rights for Students.” said Rooker.

Rooker won at county and state levels to earn the opportunity to perform at UM on June 17, but did not win a national title.

“I was disappointed I didn’t win, like most people would be, but the contest was overall an amazing experience. I was able to learn so much by viewing other NHD projects and meeting other students passionate about history, just like I am,” said Rooker.

Amanda’s experience with NHD inspired her to create club. She recently had her own booth at Club Rush, on October 17. She still hopes to find students at SJHHS who share her love for history, and are willing to enter the worldwide competition this year.