FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2016, 5:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402-872-2429
Peru, Nebraska- Peru State College hosted the 32nd Annual District History Day on Friday, February 26, 2016. The event used the National
History Day theme “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.”
More than 300 students traveled to the Peru State Campus to present almost 200 different
research topics. Their research was divided into a junior division for grades six
to eight and a senior division for grades nine to twelve.
Over 60 judges from Peru State College and across the state reviewed entries in their
category sitting in panels of three. Peru State students will be serving as Judges’
Assistants.
Dr. Sara Crook, District History Day Director and professor at Peru State College
writes, “This year’s theme, 'Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History' afforded
students many different topics for their research. The judges commented on how creative
some students were in their selection of a topic for their entry. Of course, there
were some very predictable topics, such as Lewis and Clark, Apollo 13, Columbus, etc.
that also had excellent entries."
"The diversity of topics is what always impresses me. Next year should be no exception
as the national theme will be ”Taking a Stand in History.” The Nebraska State History
Day Contest also plans to add some additional incentive to focus on Nebraska historical
events in honor of Nebraska’s Sesquicentennial in 2017. More details will be announced
next fall.”
The top four winners in each category from the District Contest are eligible for the
State Contest in Lincoln in April. Winner at the State Contest will be eligible to
compete in the National Contest held in Washington, D.C.
First Place, Senior Individual Exhibit, Katelyn Nielson with Todd Simpson, Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation (left) and Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Individual Exhibit | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Peru, Nebraska City High School, Will Jackson | Katelyn Nielson |
The Orphan Trains: Tracks Toward a New Beginning | ||
2 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 27, Syracuse High School, Steve Sayer | Viktor Werner |
The Journey of Magellan | ||
3 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Adam Krecklow | Reagan Petersen |
Tuskegee Airmen | ||
4 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Adam Krecklow | Kayla Arnold |
Hugh Hammond Bennett and the Creation of the SCS |
First Place, Senior Group Exhibit, Maddie Werner and Anna Bohlken with Todd Simpson, Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation (left) and Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Group Exhibit | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Aiden Vodicka | Maddie Werner |
Adam Krecklow | Anna Bohlken | |
When Dial Turns Dire | ||
2 | Johnson, NE, Nemaha, Johnson - Brock Public School, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Lori Broady | Cole Fossenbarger |
Dan Gossman | Shane Westhart | |
Sheila Remmereid | ||
Atlas Missile Exploration : Encounters in Nebraska Communities | ||
3 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Peru, Nebraska City High School, Will Jackson | Abril Ortiz Ibarra |
Mariah Valquier | ||
The Great Chicago Fire: Encountering A Massive Disaster | Klarissa Wampler | |
4 | Johnson, NE, Nemaha, Johnson - Brock Public School, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Lori Broady | Brian Jackson |
Ryan Mostek | ||
Nellie Bly |
First Place, Senior Individual Performance, Emma Bjork with Todd Simpson, Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation (left) and Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Individual Performance | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Aiden Vodicka | Emma Bjork |
Adam Krecklow | ||
The Hidden History of Human Zoos |
First Place, Senior Group Performance: Jaxson Balm, Wyatt Nickels, Trey Stutheit with Todd Simpson, Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation (left) and Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Group Performance | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Johnson, NE, Nemaha, Johnson - Brock Public School, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Lori Broady | Trey Stutheit |
Dan Gossman | Wyatt Nickels | |
Sheila Remmereid | Jaxson Balm | |
Japanese P.O.W Camps | ||
2 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 27, Syracuse High School, Steve Sayer | Hannah Esch |
Samantha Young | ||
The Evolution of St. Nicholas: The Ho-Ho-Whole Story | Timothy Stilmock | |
Alex Johnson | ||
Matthew Wilkinson | ||
3 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Adam Krecklow | Matteo Antunez |
Sage Beers | ||
Evolution of Women in the Olympics | Kirsten Schutz | |
Nicholas True | ||
Lucas Wilkinson |
First Place Individual Documentary, Tyler Packett with Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation, Todd Simpson (left) and President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Individual Documentary | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Pawnee City, NE, Pawnee, Pawnee, Pawnee City Secondary School, Mary Moser | Tyler Packett |
Exploring the Cosmos with the Hubble Space Telescope | ||
2 | Pawnee City, NE, Pawnee, Pawnee, Pawnee City Secondary School, Mary Moser | Michaela Gyhra |
The Lewis and Clark Expedition | ||
3 | Johnson, NE, Nemaha, Johnson - Brock Public School, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Lori Broady | Wyatt Volker |
The Great Massacre of the Pawnee | ||
4 | Pawnee City, NE, Pawnee, Pawnee, Pawnee City Secondary School, Mary Moser | Alex Brown |
Deadly Encounters Between Native Americans and Europeans |
First Place, Senior Individual Historical Paper, Chloe Higgins with Todd Simpson, Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation (left) and Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Individual Historical Paper | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Peru, Nebraska City High School, Will Jackson | Chloe Higgins |
Presidential Debates: Exchanging Ideas, Shaping Elections | ||
2 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Adam Krecklow | Brendon Lyon |
Wernher Von Braun The Conqueror of Space | ||
3 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Adam Krecklow | Jalyn Bryan |
Amelia Earhart | ||
4 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Peru, Nebraska City High School, Will Jackson | Ashley Robinson |
9/11: America's Most Devastating Encounter with Terrorism |
First Place, Senior Group Documentary, Angela Wenzl and Josh Anderson with Todd Simpson, Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation (left) and Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Group Documentary | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Johnson, NE, Nemaha, Johnson - Brock Public School, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Lori Broady | Angela Wenzl |
Dan Gossman | Josh Andersen | |
Sheila Remmereid | ||
Motown |
Erica McMullen and Emma Porter receive First Place for Senior Group Interpretive Website with Todd Simpson, Executiv e Director of the Peru State College Foundation (left) and President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson (right)
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Group Interpretive Website | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 26, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, Adam Krecklow | Emma Porter |
Erica McMullen | ||
The Evolution of Rock and Roll | ||
2 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Peru, Nebraska City High School, Will Jackson | Rachelle Rice |
Callie Koberstein | ||
Encountering American Music in the 20th Century |
First Place Senior Individual Interpretive Website, Oliver Borchers-Williams with Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation, Todd Simpson (left) and President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson (right).
Seniors (Grades 9-12) Individual Interpretive Website | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Peru, Nebraska City High School, Will Jackson | Oliver Borchers-Williams |
American Mid-Century Art | ||
2 | Pawnee City, NE, Pawnee, Pawnee, Pawnee City Secondary School, Mary Moser | Eve Beethe |
Sled Dogs Forming the Modern World | ||
3 | Johnson, NE, Nemaha, Johnson - Brock Public School, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Lori Broady | Kacie Hahn |
Exploring Irrigation in Scottsbluff: Overcoming Adversity | ||
4 | Pawnee City, NE, Pawnee, Pawnee, Pawnee City Secondary School, Mary Moser | Thomas Smyth |
Jim Bridger and the Westward Expansion |
First Place in Junior Individual Performance: Annie Hayes with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Junior (Grades 6-8) Individual Performance |
||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Johnson, NE, Nemaha, Johnson - Brock Public School, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Lori Broady | Annie Hayes |
The Ethical Dilemma: An Explanation into the Horrors of Nazi Medical Experiments |
First Place in Junior Group Performance: Alex Jacobs, Chaz Bogle and Katie Weaver with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Junior (Grades 6-8) Group Performance | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Plattsmouth, NE, Cass, Plattsmouth, St John The Baptist Elementary, Pamela Reinsch | Alex Jacobs |
Chaz Bogle | ||
Exploring the Omaha World Herald: The Encounter & Exchange of News | Katie Weaver | |
2 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Jasmine Pineda |
Cathy Thomas | Heaven Rush | |
Paige Stones | ||
The Encounters and Exchange for the German Jewish Passengers on the SS Saint Louis | ||
3 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Nebraska City Public School, Nebraska City Middle School, Kelly Schmidt | Isabella Denniston |
Deane Nielson | Macy Neumeister | |
The adventures are worth wild: Amelia Earhart | ||
4 | Syracuse, NE, Otoe, 27, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Middle School, Justin Royal | Seth Dey |
Garrett Daharsh | ||
Nikola Tesla: Man of Lightning | Brennan Gress |
First Place in Junior Individual Documentary, Renee Box with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Junior (Grades 6-8) Individual Documentary | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Renee Box |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Frank Slide: Encountering Canada's Deadliest Rockslide | ||
2 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Matthew Roettger |
Cathy Thomas | ||
DNA Through the Eyes of Rosalind Franklin | ||
3 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Laura Stehlik |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Immigrants Exchanging and Encountering at Ellis Island |
First Place in Junior Group Documentary, Aubrey Bando and Elaina Madison with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Junior (Grades 6-8) Group Documentary to top | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Aubrey Bando |
Cathy Thomas | Elaina Madison | |
The British Government: Exploring ways to end the Irish Potato Famine |
First Place in Junior Individual Historical Paper, Ethan Roberts with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Junior (Grades 6-8) Individual Historical Paper | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Ethan Roberts |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Colonel Billy Mitchell: Exploring the Future of Warfare | ||
2 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Reagan Bassinger |
Cathy Thomas | ||
The Sorrowful Journey of the Cherokee Nation | ||
3 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Will Eppert |
Cathy Thomas | ||
The Prince of Blood Disease: Working for a Cure | ||
4 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Colby Howard |
Cathy Thomas | ||
The Manhattan Project: Exploration in the Nuclear Bomb |
First Place in Junior Group Interpretive Website, James Kearney and Luke Partsch with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Junior (Grades 6-8) Group Interpretive Website | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic | James Kearney, Luke Partsch |
Roxann Penfield, Cathy Thomas | ||
Exploring the Varian Disaster | ||
2 | Plattsmouth, NE, Cass, Plattsmouth, St John The Baptist Elementary, Pamela Reinsch | Cathy Shawhan, Greg Thayer |
The North American Exploration & Encounter of Erik the Red and Leif Erikson | ||
3 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Izzie Fedoris, Ivye Meyer |
Cathy Thomas | ||
A New Encounter of Dementia: Alzheimer's | ||
4 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Althea Gay, Cara Goodman |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Encounters of John Gorrie and His Exploration of an Ice-Making Apparatus |
First Place Junior Individual Interpretive Website, Addie Defreece with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College
Junior (Grades 6-8) Individual Interpretive Website | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Addie Defreece |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Apollo 8 and Other Unforgettable Moments in 1968 | ||
2 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Cade Lee |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Apollo 13: Encounters of Problems in Space | ||
3 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Ainsley Esser |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World | ||
4 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Tanner Kochanowicz |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Evolution of training at Fort Jackson |
First Place Junior Individual Exhibit, Nolan Lewandowski with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College
Junior (Grades 6-8) Individual Exhibit | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Plattsmouth, NE, Cass, Plattsmouth, St John The Baptist Elementary, Pamela Reinsch | Nolan Lewandowski |
Encounters of the Oregon Trail | ||
2 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Roxann Penfield | Aaliyah Shallenberger |
Cathy Thomas | ||
Anne Frank: Life in the Secret Annexe | ||
3 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Matthew Novak | Ryan Roberts |
The Underground Railroad- The Codes to Freedom | ||
4 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Matthew Novak | John Bequette |
Alaska's New Owners |
Auburn Middle School had to leave before the awards ceremony, so there is no photo
of Shalyn Harris and Kylie Allen
Junior (Grades 6-8) Group Exhibit | ||
Rank | City, State, County, District, School, Teacher(s) | Student(s) |
Entry Title | ||
1 | Auburn, NE, Nemaha, District #29, Auburn Middle School, Brett Schnitzer | Shalyn Harris |
Kylie Allen | ||
Setting Fire In Waco | ||
2 | Plattsmouth, NE, Cass, Plattsmouth, St John The Baptist Elementary, Pamela Reinsch | Jenna Curtis |
Matthew Reineke | ||
Martin Bomber Plant: Exploring America's Defense | ||
3 | Plattsmouth, NE, Cass, Plattsmouth, St John The Baptist Elementary, Pamela Reinsch | Libby Baumert |
Max Baumert | ||
The Bertrand: Exploring River Transportation | ||
4 | Nebraska City, NE, Otoe, Lincoln Diocese, Lourdes Central Catholic, Matthew Novak | Blake Miller |
William Funke | ||
The Zimmerman Telegram that Changed the Tide |
Special Awards
Christina Lillenas from Johnson-Brock Middle School won the “We Proceeded On” award
from the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Center. Erv Friesen presented the award
for Lillenas’ project on Sacajewa, an individual who displayed extraordinary leadership
in promoting a cause or an idea. The award includes a one year pass (to awardee and
immediate family) to the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Center in Nebraska City,
NE; a copy of the book “Undaunted Journey” by Stephen Ambrose; and a certificate.
Lillenas’ sponsoring teacher is Mitchell Roberts.
Erv Friesen (left), presents the “We Proceeded On” award from the Missouri River Basic
Lewis and Clark Center to Christina Lillenas with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru
State College (right).
Phi Alpha Theta, PSC’s History Honorary Society, presented the “Michelle A Broady
Award for Extraordinary Determination” to Brenna Gress from SDA public schools. All
sponsoring teachers were encouraged to nominate one of their History Day competitors
for this award. The members of PSC’s PAT reviewed the nominations and make the award.
The award also came with a $100 stipend. Gress’ sponsoring teacher is Justin Royal.
Phi Alpha Theta Secretary/Treasurer Samantha Jackson and PAT President Michelle Kaiser
present the Michelle A Broady Award for Extraordinary Determination to • Brennan Gress
with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Dean Shissler, director of the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, presented a special
award for the best entry on a subject dealing with machinery used in agriculture,
past or present. Kacie Hahn’s senior division website, “Exploring Irrigation in Scottsbluff:
Overcoming Adversity,” won. Hahn is from Johnson-Brock and her sponsoring teacher
is Lori Broady.
Dean Shissler (left), director of the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, presents a special
award to Kacie Hahn with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (right).
Kristi Nies presented the Peru Historical Foundation Special Award to Cole Fossenbarger
and Shane Westhart from Johnson-Brock High School. The Peru Historical Foundation
chose the senior group exhibit “Atlas Missile Exploration” for focusing on historical
events in southeast Nebraska. Fossenbarger and Westhart’s sponsoring teacher is Pamela
Reinsch.
Kristi Nies (left) presenting the Peru Historical Foundation Special Award to Cole
Fossenbarger and Shane Westhart with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College
(right).
The Nebraska City Museum Association sponsored a special award for the best use of
oral history interviews in an individual or group entry. Dean Shissler on behalf of
the Nebraska City Museum Association presented the award to the junior group exhibit,
“Martin Bomber Plant: Exploring America’s Defense.” The exhibit was presented by Jenna
Curtis and Matthew Reinke from St. John’s the Baptist. Their teacher is Pamela Reinsh.
Dean Shissler (left), presents a special award on behalf of the Nebraska City Museum
to Jenna Curtis and Matthew Reinke with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College
(right).
The Mayhew Cabin presented a special award to Ryan Roberts for his use of nineteenth
century African-American history. Lucille Sharp presented the award. Roberts’ exhibit
on “The Underground Railroad – The Codes to Freedom” also received an individual pass
to the Mayhew Cabin and a book. Roberts is from Lourdes Central Catholic and his sponsoring
teacher is Matthew Novak.
Mayhew Cabin Special Award is presented to Ryan Roberts with President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
Wyatt Volker from Johnson-Brock won the Arbor Lodge’s special award for the best individual entry with a topic on the environment and Nebraska. Lucile Sharp of the National Arbor Day Foundation presented the award for Volker’s senior division individual documentary, “The Great Massacre of the Pawnee.” Volker also received the book “It Happened in Nebraska” and a one year individual “Explore it All “ pass from Arbor Day Farm for Arbor Lodge and the Tree Adventure. Volker’s sponsoring teacher is Lori Broady.
Lucille Sharp presents the Arbor Lodge Special Award to Wyatt Volker with President
of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson
On behalf of the Nemaha Valley Museum, Maxine Schatz presented two $50 cash awards
for entries with a connection to Nemaha County or southeast Nebraska. The projects
were judged with the following criteria: a Nemaha County or a Southeast Nebraska topic
(weighted in favor of Nemaha County); the use of Primary Source Material; the use
of oral history; and the use of Nemaha Valley Museum resources as referenced in the
annotated bibliography. Jason Balm, Wyatt Nickels and Trey Stutheit won for their
senior group performance “WWII Japanese POW.” The group is from Johnson-Brock and
their sponsoring teacher is Lori Broady. Chaz Bogles, Alex Jacobs and Katie Weaven
also won for the junior group performance “Exploring the Omaha World Herald: The Exchange
& Encounter of News.” The group is from St. John the Baptist and their sponsoring
teacher is Pamela Reinsch.
On behalf of the Nemaha Valley Museum, Maxine Schatz (far left) presents cash awards to students from Johnson-Brock and St. John the Baptist with Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College (far right)
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For more information, visit www.peru.edu or call 1-800-742-4412.
About Peru State College: Peru State’s “Campus of a Thousand Oaks,” an arboretum, is nestled in historic southeast Nebraska. The state’s first college, Peru State offers a unique mix of innovative online and traditional classroom undergraduate and graduate programs, including online graduate degrees in education and organizational management. It is a college of choice fostering excellence and student achievement through engagement in a culture that promotes inquiry, discovery and innovation.