Florida History Day

Last year, we met a sweet woman who is deeply involved in many foundations in our area.  I quickly realized that she is someone to get to know :)  She told me about Florida History Day, our state's competition which leads to National History Day.  After doing a bit of research, I knew this was something I wanted to add to Nicole's schooling this year.  I also knew that it would not be easy!  And, it was not.

The theme this year was "Conflict and Compromise in History".  After discussing what those words meant, and throwing out different ideas, Nicole settled upon doing her project at Sergeant Alvin C York, WWI hero and Medal of Honor Recipient.  Her title was "How a Conscientious Objector became one of the Greatest Sergeant on and off the Battlefield."  After becoming a Christian, he promised his mother that he would no longer "drink, cuss, or fight" again.  So, when WWI started, he put on his draft card that he "didn't want to fight".  It wasn't that he was a coward or unskilled, but it was that he believe the Bible, and the Bible said, "Thou shalt not kill."  He soon discovered that the Bible also says, "Blessed are the peacemakers...".  Eventually, York was able to find a compromise between obeying his God and serving His country.  He came to the conclusion that "In order to make peace, he will have to make war."

That was the gist of her project....but it was a HUGE undertaking. First of all, we found out about it late, and had less than 5 weeks to help her research and prepare.  Originally, she was going to write a paper (it is a MASSIVE paper, btw), but then she broke her arm.  A broken arm made it difficult to take notes or even type, and I couldn't give her the time needed to be her full time scribe.  So, she switched from the 2,000 word essay, to the 500 word exhibit board!  I'm not sure it was actually easier! haha.  She finished her board and took it to a county level competition.

She was then invited to represent Collier County at the state level of the Florida History Day competition.  We went to Tallahassee for three days of history and learning fun!  Her exhibit was most certainly the smallest (however they did not reflect the amount of time she spent, truly....she spent dozens and dozens of hours just reading and researching.  We both learned a lot at this state competition.  It was a great experience.


She won an award for Collier County.  It was given to her as a reward for her hard work, even through difficult circumstances.

We learned a lot about this competition and hope to be back next year....with a few more friends along for the ride as well.