Students from across Orange County will present original research and creative projects at the 2025 National History Day-Orange County competition, set for Saturday, March 8 at Sierra Vista Middle School in Irvine.
This year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibilities,” challenges participants to analyze historical topics through the lens of civic duty, justice and individual freedoms. Coordinated by the Orange County Department of Education, the event will showcase projects, ranging from websites and posters to documentaries, performances and even podcasts.
“This year’s theme encourages students to examine key moments in history through the lens of rights and responsibilities,” said Dr. Virginia Reischl, coordinator of Literacy and Language at OCDE. “It provides a framework for analyzing historical events, understanding their impact and making connections to the world today.”
The annual competition builds critical thinking, research and literacy skills while giving students a platform to connect past events with contemporary issues. This year’s event will feature 390 students from 32 schools representing eight school districts, a charter school authorized by the Orange County Board of Education and four private schools.
Students advancing from the county competition will be recognized at the NHD-OC Awards Ceremony on March 12 at the Orange County Holocaust Education Center in Newport Beach, where state qualifiers will be announced. All participants will receive their evaluation rubrics with judge comments through their coaches after the contest.
Reischl encouraged families, educators and local organizations to support student research by attending the event, serving as mentors or sponsoring awards.
For more information about National History Day-OC, visit OCDE’s webpage or contact the NHD-OC team at nhdinfo@ocde.us.