I have participated as one of the judges for the State National History Day competition in Iowa for the last 7 or 8 years. This contest is a wonderful way for students to explore a given theme in Iowa history and beyond. This is usually done in a school or for the state at Hy-Vee Hall with swarms of students, teachers and families present. The students participate in various categories, including exhibits, documentaries, webpages, papers and performances. This year presented a new challenge with the competition provided in a virtual format. This by necessity eliminates the possibility of talking with the students and your fellow judges after the presentations. The documentaries were viewed via computers. Being on the short end of the technological curve, I experienced some challenges submitting the results and comments for the 6-8th grade documentaries that I judged. With the patience of Vania Bolan, the state coordinator, I did get that accomplished for one of the district events. Now for the next adventure to judge for the virtual state event to occur early in May.
-Nancy Hanaman