Bigfork history buffs head to nationals

Nine Bigfork Middle School students are raising money for travel expenses to get to Maryland and compete in the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day contest June 12-16.

The students recently competed at the state level and placed first and second in their respective categories, qualifying for nationals.

National competitors and their respective categories are:

• Emily Bonner and Elizabeth Kirby, group exhibit about Corrie ten Boom.

• Tyler Galbraith and Anton Young, group exhibit about George Bird Grinnell.

• Monique Gomez, documentary on Minnodoka Internment Camp in Idaho.

• Aubrey Halverson, paper about Beethoven.

• Maya Hartig, individual website on the Evolution of Jazz.

• Josie Howlett wrote about paper about Irena Sendler.

• Rhianyon Larson, documentary on Mountain Brook Homestead.

Carly Stogdhill took first place in individual exhibit, but forfeited her spot at nationals.

A total of 10 out of 12 projects Bigfork sent to state placed in the top three.

“An even more amazing statistic is that we competed in six categories and then proceeded to take home first place in five of these categories,” Bigfork Middle School history teacher Cynthia Wilondek said. “Bigfork also swept the group exhibit competition, which is often the most competitive both at our local and state levels.”

People wishing to donate should make checks payable to “Bigfork Public Schools” and write “NHD donation” in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to Bigfork Elementary and Middle School, 600 Commerce St., P.O. Box 188, Bigfork, MT 59911. Receipts are available upon request.

Complete state results are:

First: Tyler Galbraith and Anton Young, Maya Hartig, Josie Howlett, Rhianyon Larson, Carly Stodghill.

Second: Emily Bonner and Elizabeth Kirby, Monique Gomez.

Third: Meredith Bedford and Ashley Miller, Aubrey Halverson, Kylie McMullen and Eva Seiss.