So Margie knows someone at work whose spouse is involved in the history department at Rangeview High … and so (her having mentioned my academic background in history), I found myself this afternon as a judge at the Rangeview History Day, evaluating (in my case) individually-crafted 10-minute history documentaries on various subjects with the theme “conflict and compromise.”
It was a fun afternoon. Got to watch (and follow up with questions) presentations on John Denver, the Japanese Internment, Korean-American Generational Conflicts, Women Spies in History, and the Negro Leagues. Some good stuff (and some not quite as good), but it was a pleasure to be able to help (constructively) critique and encourage various honors students in a field of study I particularly care for.
Oh cool, I was wondering if you were going to go and do that since it sounded like a blast. I want to hear how it went and what the Documentaries were like.
I won’t go into detail (since it’s possible that the participants could find their way here), so I can fill you in person some time. In general, though, it was clear that (a) the kids all put a lot of effort into it, (b) some of them really “got” it — maybe even a few budding Ken Burnses (Kens Burns?), (c) working to a theme is something that challenges everyone. 🙂
And, in general, it was worthwhile fun, and I hope I get invited back next year.
I participated in National History Day in 1980, a monologue performance about Ellen Browning Scripps, one of the benefactors of my high school. My original choice was taken by someone else who wrote a report, and didn’t win an award. Small triumph!
The whole day was a kick, I received an ‘Excellent’ certificate, a small cash award, and I got extra credit in my history class. The presentations have changed some since then, but I’m still a fan. Glad to see you enjoyed your participation.
Sorry, my bad, I thought that is what I had implied. 🙂
Yes, the every two month get to gether should be coming up soon.
From what I heard, this was 30% of the Honors History grade at the school, and something that folks worked on starting in October. Which makes me wonder about the two people in my panel who dropped before the day of, and the person who no-showed.
BD, we definitely need to get together soon. Assuming I can avoid being sick on game day, or can come up with some other excuse to get you down here. 🙂