After eight years of close calls, two groups made it to the finals at National History Day Nationals. Eighteen middle and high school students from DIS competed in the event at the University of Maryland College Park from June 7 to 15. Throughout the week, the Jets showcased their new and improved projects and explored Washington D.C. for a special end to the school year.

The NHD Korea competition in February chose the best projects from each category: performance, paper, documentary, website, and exhibit to compete at NHD Nationals. Students chose nuanced topics of their interest to fit the theme of “Turning Points in History.” This year, DIS swept the awards in many categories and sent a record number of students to D.C. to compete. 

Participants chose projects from an array of topics throughout history. DIS students chose projects that ranged from Korean history to environmental sustainability. Sixth-grader Alex Hyun said, “My project was a documentary about the Earthrise photo taken during the Apollo 8 mission and how it resulted in environmental activism, such as Earth Day, which is still being held.” 

After rigorous judging, freshman Bonnie Kim, Sophie Lee, Bryan Lee, and YiManuel Cortez (Group Documentary) and sophomore Leanne Yoon (Individual Performance) advanced to the finals. 

“I personally thought that we didn’t really do well at the interview, so I called my mom and I cried because I didn’t think we’re gonna make it,” Lee said. “But when we were eating Taco Bell, we kept refreshing the page and Ms. Spaeth next to me said the finalists were announced and then when we saw our names and then our topic there, I just stood up and I screamed and everybody stared at me as if I’m like a crazy person.”

The achievement as a finalist places projects among the top 1% in their category. Mr. Kaschub said, “The number of students that we had that were finalists was very impressive. The projects are among the top 10 projects in the entire world. And so for some categories, that’s like the top 10 out of 1,000 or maybe over 500 projects.” 

Although none of the middle school participants broke into the second round, Mr. Kaschub and Ms. Spaeth had many excursions in store for them. “I think for some students it’s a highlight to just be able to go right and spend a week in and around Washington DC and see a lot of cool things.” 

While the majority of students at the competition consisted of eighth graders, Alex Hyun, the youngest participant and only sixth grader, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Hyun said, “I was really excited when I had an opportunity to participate in the Nationals. But as the day came closer, I was a bit anxious. But the seniors were really kind to me so I was able to socialize with them. Overall, I think the NHD trip helped me to socialize more [with students from other grades.”

The competition proved to be memorable for finalists and non-finalists alike. Eighth-grader Sahn Choi said, “It was truly an unforgettable experience. Although we didn’t make the finals, it was just really good to be judged by a ton of people and get feedback.” 

While this year’s event ended one step away from a medal, it alludes to further potential next year. Kaschub said, “This year we had projects that ranked within the top 10 projects in the entire world. So that is super impressive. And this year I hope we have just as much, if not more, participation and success.” 

Gallery • 6 Photos

Finalists Sophie Lee, Bonnie Kim, Bryan Lee, and YiManuel Cortez observe the reactions of the judges as they play their documentary. Photo courtesy of Sophie Lee.

Congratulations to all the NHD participants this year:

Senior Individual Paper

Sally Lee (G9)

Junior Individual Documentary

Alex Hyun (G6)

Senior Individual Website

Sankeeth Udayakumar (G10)

Junior Group Documentary

Sahn Choi, Roy Kim, William Seo (G8) 

Senior Group Documentary

Bonnie Kim, Sophie Lee, YiManuel Cortez, Bryan Lee (G9)

Junior Individual Performance

Christine An (G7)

Senior Individual Performance

Leanne Yoon (G10)

Junior Group Performance

Minji Kim, Elena Lee, Sally Yun (G8)

Junior Group Website

Thomas Kim, Yeonhoo Park (G8)