Today, July 7, 2026, we’re buzzing with excitement over a remarkable achievement from one of our local stars! Dillon Seaman, a talented student from Ernest Ward Middle School here in Century, has made waves at the National History Day competition. Can you believe it? He placed in the Top 10 nationally! This prestigious event took place from June 14-18 at the University of Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., and it featured over 3,000 students from grades 6-12, not just from across the U.S. but from around the globe.
To get there, Dillon didn’t just waltz in. No, he had to shine through a series of local, regional, and state-level competitions before making it to the national stage. The theme for this year’s National History Day was “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” and Dillon tackled it head-on. He competed in the Junior Individual Exhibit Category with his project titled “Potato Blight; British Blame and Irish Change.” This impressive piece focused on the historical, political, and societal impacts of the Irish Potato Famine. Talk about a heavy topic! His hard work and eye-catching visual display caught the judges’ attention and secured him that coveted top-tier placement.
A Deep Dive into National History Day
But what exactly is National History Day? It’s a fantastic program that allows students from all walks of life to dive deep into historical research projects. This initiative encourages students to develop essential skills in communication, project management, and, of course, historical thinking. Projects start at the school level—whether public, private, charter, or even homeschool. If a project is selected, it can advance to regional or affiliate contests, ultimately leading to the national competition we just celebrated Dillon at.
At these contests, students present their hard work to judges, who provide valuable feedback. This feedback is not just for show; it’s a crucial part of the process! Students are encouraged to revise their projects based on what judges say, and they can make any revisions in line with the Contest Rule Book. The top two entries in each category at the affiliate contests earn a spot at the National Contest, which is held every June at the University of Maryland, College Park.
It’s worth noting that National History Day is open to everyone—students and teachers alike—regardless of race, sex, religion, or economic status. They even accommodate students with special needs. No one is left out of this historical adventure! And in the spirit of freedom of expression, they don’t censor project entries based on content. What you see is a reflection of the students’ views or the sources they cite.
Researching History Like a Pro
For those curious about how to dive into such projects, starting with secondary sources is a great way to build a solid understanding of your topic. Jotting down key dates, ideas, and people while reading will help you gather essential keywords for searching for primary sources later on. Books and databases are your best friends when it comes to research—they’re like the backbone of your project. Web sources, while helpful, require careful fact-checking and cross-referencing to ensure you get a well-rounded view of your subject.
Using a variety of sources is key. Each new source should be documented, possibly using tools like Noodletools, to help keep track of everything. And let’s be real—putting off citations until the end can feel a bit overwhelming! Keeping track of where your information comes from is essential; it helps you remember the origins of your ideas and arguments.
So, hats off to Dillon Seaman for his extraordinary achievement! His success not only brings pride to Ernest Ward Middle School but also inspires other students in our community to pursue their passions for history. If you happen to see him around, be sure to give him a high-five!