On March 2, Carlisle High School students competed against hundreds of other projects in the Region 8 History Day competition, hosted by Messiah College.

Students from Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, and Perry counties participated in the event.

 The top three scorers in each History Day category move on to States, which is being held at CHS on May 10.  Winners of this competition will be eligible to compete in the National competition, hosted at the University of Maryland from June 9 to June 12. 

There will be eight individuals and three groups from CHS moving on to States.

Carter Martin, a CHS freshman, was one of the winners, scoring second in his category. He is excited to move on to the State competition. 

“I feel like going into States,” Martin said.  “I have a much better idea of what I’ll be asked to do, and I really hope that I’ll be able to move onto the National level.” 

Ella Bowman, a freshman who won first place in the Group Exhibit category at Carlisle’s Local History Day in January, participated in the Regional competition. 

“In the end, [my partner] Dervla Dolan and I didn’t place.” Bowman said, “We were relieved that we didn’t because honestly, it’s kind of annoying to do the work.  It’s a lot of time and money spent and [it is] just not worth it. Kirsten Weirich and Morgan Pontious got second in senior group exhibit and they are moving into States; we are proud of them.”

Those who work with the National History Day program claim that it helps students develop research skills.

“NHD helps students develop and hone critical life skills including critical thinking and problem solving, communication (oral and written), research, and helps to build confidence through presentations and interview processes,” Cathay Snyder, the Region Eight Coordinator for NHD in PA said.

Students are currently working on preparing their projects for the State competition in May.