Kennedy High School students are set to compete in the senior division of National History Day (NHD) on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Kirkwood Community College. The top three projects in each category will compete at the state competition in Des Moines on April 28, 2025. 

This year’s NHD theme, Rights and Responsibilities in History, inspires students to research a related topic. They must create a project in one of five categories; exhibit, documentary, performance, paper or website. Jill Koch, Kennedy teacher and sponsor of Kennedy NHD students, guides students as they complete their projects.

“I send out a Google Classroom for each high school year, seeing if they are interested in participating,” Koch said, “I would have them come to me or work on it in PACT Seminar class.”

Freshman Liam Patrick produced an individual documentary about the Miranda v. Arizona court case. He chose the documentary category because his extensive experience editing videos has equipped him with the skills to tell stories through visual media.

“My favorite part of participating in NHD is the freedom as you get to choose the topic yourself,” Patrick said. ”It is a good learning environment.”

Sophomore Katie Hubbs has participated in NHD in the last three years, competing in the junior division when she was in middle school. Hobbs created an individual performance on the Watergate Scandal to deepen her existing knowledge of the topic.

“I like the competition days,” Hubbs said,” I enjoy looking at the other projects.”

As the students prepare for the contest, Koch emphasizes that it is more than just a contest; it is also a way to learn.

“National History Day is a nice project learning experience as it teaches students how to conduct research and teaches students how to write a bibliography,” Koch said. “It also teaches students how to be professional when they interview people and how to answer judges’ questions.”