Although this year’s National History Day team did not place in the state competition, history teachers and team coaches Christine Clark and Catherine Thayer remain optimistic about the team’s chances in 2013.

The National History Day competition took place in Tallahassee on April 30 and May 1. Students were asked to choose one topic and express the topic in one of five format categories: historical research, website, documentary, performance or an exhibit. The West Shore team consisted of four seventh-graders, River G. and Chanel B. from Clark’s class and Avery J. and Jacob F. from Thayer’s class. River and Chanel did historical research papers on classical music and Pearl Harbor, respectively; Avery and Jacob both made an exhibit on D-Day.

As for next year, Clark and Thayer are enthusiastic. Clark, who said the team will place in 2013, hopes to get “a busload of kids” to join National History Day  — the topic is “turning points in history” — and may make such a competition mandatory for her eighth-grade class. Orchestra and drama teacher Maureen Fallon may join the competition, along with her students. Monthly research meetings in the media center already have been planned. Additionally, the History Fair will be held in the Viera School Board Building.

By Brandon Bailer

Editor’s note: Brevard Public School policy prohibits the use of middle-schoolers’ names on district websites.