QSI Shenzhen Students Excel at National History Day Competition

Five First Place Wins and Outstanding Affiliate Award Highlight School’s Success

National History Day is an annual academic competition encouraging middle and high school students to explore and analyze historical events, people, and ideas since 1974. The competition has grown to include all 50 US states and territories, as well as other regions such as China, Korea, South Asia, Central America, and the new International Division. The most recent event took place from June 10-14, 2023, in Washington D.C., where students worldwide gathered to showcase their research and scholarship.

The QSI Shenzhen students who participated in the International Region and competed in the National History Day competition did an excellent job during their interviews, and their hard work paid off. Under the leadership of Nate Potson, the group leader, Taksh, Max, Steven, Angel, and David won 8th Place in the Senior Division Group Documentary and the Outstanding Affiliate Award for the International Division with their documentary titled “Exploring the Frontiers of Dreams and Reality: The Traversal of Homesteaders into the Wild West.” Maya and Tim received an honorable mention in Senior Division Group Website for their project titled “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad: Chinese Immigrants on the American Frontier.”

National History Day entries are judged by established rubrics that are aligned for all entries but refined to fit the nuances of each project category. Evaluation is broken down to 80% Historic Quality and 20% Clarity of Presentation, with judges individually evaluating each project and then meeting as committees to determine a winner.

The National History Day competition promotes historical research, critical thinking, and communication skills among students and has many benefits for teachers and communities. By requiring in-depth analyses and multiple perspectives to be considered, students learn how to construct a compelling and persuasive argument, engage in critical thinking, and communicate their findings effectively.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Nate Potson for his leadership in guiding the QSI Shenzhen students in this competition. Overall, the National History Day competition is a prestigious event for students interested in history and humanities, and the QSI Shenzhen students showcased their talents under the guidance of Mr. Nate Potson. The event brings together students from across the United States and the world to present their research projects on a given historical theme, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of history, and developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills among young people.