In a significant event for students and educators alike, the Region 4 Ohio History Day competition took place at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor. Hosted by Youngstown State University, this event featured 128 middle and high school participants showcasing their knowledge of Ohio’s history.
Overview of the Ohio History Day Competition
This year’s competition celebrated its 50th anniversary with the theme “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Students in grades 6-12 produced 71 projects across five categories: documentary, paper, performance, website, and exhibit. The event engaged a total of 56 judges who evaluated the submissions from various schools in Mahoning, Trumbull, Ashtabula, Geauga, and Portage counties.
Key Participants and Projects
Notable achievements included:
- Senior Group Exhibit: Jon Miller and Luke Wack of Hubbard High School secured third place with “I Sustain the Wings.”
- Junior Group Exhibit: Zachary Morgan and Jimmy Van Valien from St. Rose School earned second place for their project on the Wright Brothers.
- Junior Individual Exhibit: Liam Sharlock from St. Rose took first place with “Forged in Steel: Youngstown Revolution, Reaction, Reform.”
- Senior Individual Website: Annika Curnalia of Hubbard High School finished third with “The Flapper Girls.”
Awards Ceremony Highlights
The awards ceremony held at the Zidian Family Arena honored the winners for their exemplary work. Projects focused on Ohio’s history, such as the transformation brought by the Wright Brothers and the impact of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1960s, stood out.
David Simonelli, the coordinator for Region 4 Ohio History Day and a professor at YSU, emphasized the importance of learning historical methodologies. He noted how students not only deepened their understanding of history but also engaged with their local communities through their projects.
Future Competitions
Winners from this regional contest will advance to the state contest at Capital University in Columbus in 2026. The best from the state will move on to the national competition at the University of Maryland, which includes participation from students nationwide.
This annual event not only fosters a love for history among students but also encourages the use of primary sources, promoting pride in local heritage and the importance of academic excellence.
