Wednesday, May 25, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Student documentary headed for natl. contestWhitewater High sophomore Ashley Allens documentary on cryptology and its use in war have earned her a trip to the National History Day competition in June. NHD is a yearlong education program that engages students in grades 6-12 in the process of discovery and interpretation of historical topics. Students produce dramatic performances, imaginative exhibits, multimedia documentaries and research papers based on research related to an annual theme. This years theme was Communication in History: the Key to Understanding. Ashley was one of six students from Whitewater to place in the state finals of the NHD competition held at Macon State College April 30. Justin Carpenter and Jonathan Sholar placed third in the senior group exhibition and Daniel Higgenbotham, Justin Mann and Lauren Whitener placed fourth in the senior group documentary. Ashley won first place in the senior individual documentary for her piece titled Cryptology: Its History and War. The documentary utilizes PowerPoint as its framework with film footage, interviews and live narration integrated into the presentation. The documentary defines cryptology and presents evidence of its role and impact during World War I and II and the Vietnam Conflict. Ashley included film footage of veteran Navajo Windtalkers from WW II, a testimonial of one and an interview of a Vietnam veteran who used it in the field. In addition to placing first in the competition, Ashley was also the recipient of the prestigious Siemens Award for Innovation in American History, which recognizes outstanding projects that demonstrate how technology or innovation has influenced U.S. history. Following a presentation to a panel, candidates defend their works to a committee through explanation and clarification. Ashley will compete for the national title at the NHD competition June 12-16 at the University of Maryland. |
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