National History Day Awards
In 2000, Roxanne Thayer, Washington State History Day Executive Councilor and Social Studies teacher at McMurray Middle School on Vashon Island, suggested that a new category for Canada be added to the Washington State History Day awards. Both the University of Washington and Western Washington University met Roxanne’s idea with enthusiasm. By the 2001 Spring competition, the new category had been created. Prizes are awarded to students whose projects serve as the best paper, exhibit, performance or media presentation on Canadian history. There are many ways to link the histories of Canada and it's hoped that many students explore the possibilities and compete for the prizes each year. Individual and group papers (or projects) are considered for the prizes, both in the Junior and Senior category. We encourage others to pursue ways to explore Canada's history and culture as part of the National History Day competition that is held each year.
If you are a Washington Resident and interested in participating in the contest, please visit the national history day website for more information: National History Day Award
(These awards are only available for the Washington state level of competition. Individual awardees will receive a cash prize of $100; group entry awardees will receive $50 each in prize money.)
Canadian History Award Winners
2008 Intermediate Division - Individual Website
$100 individual submission award.
Laura Harkins
Dances of History: The Conflict of Culture and the Compromise of a Community
Coupeville Middle School, Coupeville, WA
Advisor - Mr. Wilbur Purdue
2008 Intermediate Division - Group Performance
$50 per person for group submission
Robert Karren and Jameson Bruce
Another Shot Heard ‘Round the World: San Juan Island’s Pig War
Kingston Middle School, Kingston, WA
Advisor - Ms. Mary Lou Macala
Past Canadian History Award Winners
2007 Intermediate Division - Individual Paper
$100 individual submission award.
Jordan Sperl
Seattle and the Klondike – How Seattle Got Green Because of the Gold
Housel Middle School, Prosser, WA
Advisor - Mr. Dean Smith
2006 Junior Division - Group Documentary
$50 per person for group submission
Megan Smith and Connor Tasoff
The Last Roundup: Taking a Stand against Whale Captivity
Coupeville Middle School, Coupeville, WA
Advisor – Mr. Wilbur Purdue
2006 Senior Division - Individual Paper
$100 per individual submission
Rebecca Smith
Taking a Stand for Peace: How Diplomacy Stopped the San Juan Pig War.
Bothell Senior High, Bothell, WA
Advisor – Ms. Dori Wuepper
2005 Junior Division
Kelli Blechschmidt and Estefania Cid
Bringing Totem Poles to the Light: Communication Beyond Beavers and Bears
College Place Middle School, Lynwood, WA
Advisor – Mr. Matt Elms
2004 Junior Division - Individual Exhibit
Theodore Charles
A Pacific Graveyard: Encountering Maritime Disasters, Exploring Navigational Improvements
Edison Elementary School, Walla Walla, WA
Advisor – Ms. Katy Olsen
2004 Senior Division - Group Documentary
Ashley Jones, Michael Loyd and Kelsi Franzen
Exploration and Enlightenment: George Vancouver’s Encounters in the Pacific Northwest
Coupeville Middle/High School, Coupeville, WA
Advisor – Ms. Diane Eelkenna
2003 Junior Division – Group Performance
Catherine Means, Miriam Schwartz and Claire Simon
The Acadian Exile: The Rights Denied
The Option Program at Seward (TOPS), Seattle, WA
Advisor – Ms. Karen Hart
2002 Senior Division – Exhibit
Jessica Perry and Danny Gunderson
Canadian Borders
Burlington-Edison High School, Burlington, WA
2001 Junior Division – Documentary
Emily Foraker, Meagan Grandall and Emily Wallgren
The Streets Were Paved with Gold: The Story of the Klondike Goldrush
Poulsbo Junior High School, Poulsbo, WA
Advisor – Ms. Catherine Campbell
The Streets Were Paved with Gold made the finals at National History Day, Washington, D.C. coming in 11th place nationally!