National History Day State Competition

Community Contributed

By Kainoa Pali

This year’s National History Day involved over 8000 students ranging from grades 4 through 12, from Oahu, Hawaii, Molokai, Kauai, and Maui. Throughout the year, these students work tirelessly to develop research essays, interpretive exhibits, performances, documentaries, and websites that ties into the annual theme: “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events.” A few Molokai High students and their teachers attended a state competition on April 20 at the Windward Community College in Kaneohe, Oahu, and two received top honors.

The Hawaii Council of Humanities (HCH) wishes to acknowledge the Molokai students who participated at the 2013 National History Day State Competition. Kaycie Tanaka presented an exhibit, “The Establishment of Kalaupapa” with the support of teacher Ms. Laura Buller. Edel Mae Alvarez’s project, “Television in the 1950s and the Transformation of American Entertainment” was conveyed through a website, with the support teacher Ms. Laura Buller. Kristin Tancayo also presented a website for her project, titled “New Look by Christian Dior: A Turning Point in Fashion,” also mentored by teacher Ms. Laura Buller. Moses Espaniola wrote a paper, “Vietnam: US Involvement in War” supported by teacher Ms. Paula Friel. Esther Torres-Umi also presented a paper, titled “Ahurada Koirala,” with teacher Ms. Paula Friel. Cendall Manley offered a performance, “From Oppression to Aloha: The Turning Point of Hawaiian History,” with the support of teacher Mr. Kainoa Pali.

Cendall Manley was also recognized by the University of Hawaii Center for Biographical Research, an award that’s given to the top student for their outstanding history projects in utilizing biographical sources. Teacher Kainoa Pali also received recognition through the Hawaii Council of Humanities Outstanding History Day Teachers, an award given to the top two history day teachers in the state who promote history habits of the mind in the classroom.