The South Carolina History Day competition, a part of National History Day, will take place Saturday, April 29, at Westwood High School in Blythewood, S.C., organized by Coastal Carolina University. The competitors are 310 middle and high school students who have won first, second or third place in various categories for 183 projects at six regional competitions around the state. The regional competition for the Horry County area was held at CCU in March.

The projects reflect this year's National History Day's theme, "Taking a Stand in History." Competing students produce a documentary, performance, research paper, exhibit or website, based on year-long research on a topic of their choice..

The first and second place winners in each category and each division are eligible to attend the national contest at the University of Maryland in June. There will also be 10 special topics awards for projects, including two with monetary prizes.

CCU became the state headquarters for South Carolina History Day in 2016. Angela Dembiczak, South Carolina History Day coordinator, said the projects involve relevant, compelling topics and that the competition teaches students essential academic skills.

"We have a great variety of topics this year, ranging from events in local history like the Conway High School football strike to figures in international history like Ho Chi Minh," said Dembiczak. "There is even a great variety of time periods covered, from medieval to modern.

"This is a life-changing experience for students. The program helps them develop skills in research, analysis and communication that are important for them be successful throughout their lives," she said.

The event will also include the new Dr. Ron Ingle S.C. History Day Teachers' Award, which grants $500 to one middle school teacher and one high school teacher for the time, expertise and commitment they demonstrate to their students in preparation for the competition. Ingle, president emeritus of CCU, led the University from 1992 to 2007.

South Carolina History Day, the affiliate program for National History Day, promotes elementary, middle, and secondary school students' immersion in historical research and analysis as well as production of creative presentations. South Carolina History Day provides valuable opportunities for more than 5,000 South Carolina students to delve into the state's rich history as well as national and global topics.

For more information, contact Dembiczak at 843-349-2476 or ajdembic@coastal.edu.