FBA History Project Judges National History Day in DC

History Project Co-Chairs Denise Vogt and Frank Leone were among the 70 judges for DC’s National History Day event.  National History Day is an annual project-based contest for students in grades 6-12. Students nationwide participate in a competition similar to a science fair but for history. The DC History Center sponsored this year’s DC event, held on March 15, 2025 at the Martin Luther King Library. 

Denise Vogt and Frank Leone flank DC History Center Executive Director Laura Brower Hagood (center) at DC’s National History Day.

The event involved 104 participating students; 68 projects across five categories (paper, exhibit, website, performance, and documentary); and 13 schools. Middle- and high-school students diligently presented projects and were interviewed by teams of friendly judges. Hats off the to the students who researched and prepared their entries with this year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibilities,” within the strict guidelines of the competition. The entries were carefully evaluated, and the winners announced in a packed auditorium. After receiving their signed certificates and medals, these students will now receive written comments and prepare for the national competition at the University of Maryland, College Park (June 8–12). All the projects were good – some were excellent!