Foothills Blog

At Foothills, history comes alive through curiosity, purpose, and personal voice.

National History Day at Foothills is more than a project—it’s an invitation for students to become historians, storytellers, and advocates. With each new annual theme (this year’s was “Rights and Responsibilities”), our learners choose topics that spark their interest and connect them to the world around them. Whether crafting a documentary, designing an exhibit, performing a theatrical piece, building a website, or writing a research paper, students are empowered to express their learning in ways that feel deeply meaningful to them.

The heart of NHD is deep, thoughtful research. Our students dive into primary and secondary sources, ask complex questions, and build evidence-based arguments that reflect both critical thinking and historical empathy. Along the way, they develop essential life skills—like time management, collaboration, and public speaking—as they prepare to share their insights with the Foothills community and beyond.

And the outcomes speak volumes.

This year, 20 students placed at the regional level—including nine top-three finishes and additional 4th place recognitions. At the state level, nine students placed, and three projects earned a top-three finish. Two Foothills alumni who competed independently also earned honors: 1st at regionals and 3rd at state. Several of these projects are now headed to the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C.

With choice at the center, students selected topics that resonated deeply—and then worked with care and creativity to bring them to life. Take a look at some of this year’s projects:

Note: * indicates a project qualified for the national contest

• Candy Bombers and Cargo Planes: The Berlin Airlift *
• From Rubble to Resilience: The Tulsa Race Massacre's Story of Stolen Rights and Police Betrayal *
• The Formation of the FDA: Navigating Consumer Rights and Industry Responsibilities
• Impact of the Little Rock Nine
• Security or Suppression: Restricted Voices Under the Alien and Sedition Acts
• Title IX: Government Responsibility Changing the Way Americans Look at Women's Rights in Sports
• Beyond the Ballpark: The All American Girls Professional Baseball League’s Impact on Society and Fight for Equality
• From Oppression to Freedom: Rights and Responsibilities in the Fall of the Berlin Wall
• Elizebeth S. Friedman: How She Assisted in Shutting Down Operation Bolivar
   

This is what learning looks like at Foothills: rooted in choice, guided by inquiry, and connected to something bigger.