Eighth-graders present History Night projects to district board, reflect on research and public speaking

Students from the districtighth-grade program presented to the board about their recent History Night projects, explaining research challenges and how the event built public-speaking skills.

Teacher Dave Zabo introduced the students as representatives from the Voyager and Dream teams and said the annual History Night has evolved to emphasize current social issues and interdisciplinary work with the English department. Students described why they chose their topics, the process of finding reliable sources and the anxiety of presenting to strangers in the gym.

Student Hunter said, "my project was about gun rights," Shelby said her project focused on vaping and Morgan said she chose school safety. Several students said research changed their perspectives: "once you start researching your topic your viewpoint might change a little bit," one student said. Board members thanked the students and discussed ways to increase adult engagement at future History Nights, such as providing sample questions for parents and requiring adults to visit a set number of student presentations to boost interaction.

The board praised the presentations and discussed minor logistical changes to increase public engagement next year.