Downers Grove Student in National Competition

National History Day is a national competition in which students research a historical topic and present their findings. This year, a local student survived very difficult competition and was able to participate in this prestigious event at the University of Maryland.

Tommy Surdyk, a 7th grader at Lakeview Junior High in Downers Grove, brought his project, titled "Lager Beer Riot: Liberty is Served," to National History Day. Tommy's project was one of two individual exhibits to represent Illinois at this National competition.

At Lakeview, students complete research projects that culminate with a school History Fair (now part of the Spartan Showcase). A few of our students then advance to the Chicago Metro Fair, and eventually the Illinois History Expo. These contests happen all over the nation; 0ver half a million students compete in this program beyond our district. Ever year, a few hundred of these students represent the best of student historical research for a week at National History Day.

Tommy was also lucky to interact with students from all over the country, too. One neat way NHD encourages this is through the exchange of buttons or pins. With all 50 states, DC, and a few international delegations, this took considerable time to do. We were also invited to view documentaries and performances, as well as see the exhibits on display at the Smithsonian American History Museum. Illinois and NHD provided a number of social opportunities for kids along the way, too.