“As a schoolteacher, administrator, professor, and educational consultant for more than 50 years, I have a passion for the field. Being a judge at both regional and state National History Day contests has shown me that good education is alive and well for history students in New Mexico.

“To watch young people show the projects that they have developed for the program and to observe the skills they have developed during this process is such a pleasure. The students choose their own topics to fit the annual theme. They learn how to research and use technology, and they learn critical thinking skills as they analyze the research. They acquire problem-solving skills and work to see all sides of an issue. They exhibit long-term planning and are able to relate their projects to the world today. They become experts on their topics.

“As they show their projects to the judges, the students’ creativity shines, whether in a documentary, performance, exhibit, web site, or paper.

“This entire process meets many New Mexico state standards for social studies, reading, writing, and technology. It has been an amazing event for me to participate in, as I see the students develop these skills along with confidence, poise, and presentation abilities.”