Local middle school and high school students will join historians Saturday to battle over who is the greatest history buff in the area.
Competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the University Center. Judging will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The closing ceremony and awards presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Faulkner Lounge.
In order to compete, students in grades 6-12 must research a subject based on the theme "Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas." They may write an essay, design a three-dimensional exhibit, perform a skit or produce a documentary based on their research. The competition consists of junior and senior divisions as well as group and individual categories.
Ann Rand, office manager of the history department at The U of M, has been working with the rest of the department on putting History Day together.
"It is a national program with different levels," Rand said. "Most of the contestants come from around here, but we do have contestants from all over Tennessee."
History Day is a state-level competition. Student will be coming from Shelby, Knox and Williamson counties in Tennessee.
Several local establishments including the Network of Memphis's Women Network group, Lausanne Collegiate School and the West Tennessee Historical Society, are donating special prizes to be given to the contestants.
This year, Rand said new additions will be made to the History Day schedule. The U of M Pep Band will make an appearance, a contest for the best banner will be conducted and several door prizes will be given away. A Teacher of the Year award will also be given during the History Day activities.
The history department has also assembled an advisory committee this year which includes individuals from all across Tennessee.
"The advisory committee has been created in order to help improve History Day and to help get support from different corporations so we can expand and do bigger and better things," Rand said.
Last year more than 400 students participated in History Day. This year, the history department expects an increase of up to 500 students. Winners of the competition at The U of M will move to the national competition at the University of Maryland in June.
"The University of Maryland is really a great place to go," Rand said.
According to Dr. Janann Sherman, a professor of history, Tennessee History Day is a success because of the commitment and dedication of literally hundreds of people who pull it all together.
According to Rand, History Day is a great recruiting device for The University. Middle school and high school students from across the state will come and visit the U of M campus.
"It gives The University exposure from students of all different schools," Rand said. "It is also getting them interested in academic subjects."
