William Paterson University Hosts 22nd Annual National History Day for New Jersey Students
--University President Arnold Speert to Receive Award

Students in grades six through 12 from New Jersey public and private schools will participate in this year’s New Jersey National History Day competition on Saturday, May 3 at William Paterson University in Wayne.

The competition fosters an interest in history by inviting students to research topics related to a different theme each year. This year’s theme, "Rights and Responsibilities," allows students to investigate a broad range of topics that can be chosen from local, state, or national history, but must include primary and secondary research.

Approximately 400 students from middle and high schools around the state will participate this year. University President Arnold Speert will receive the New Jersey History Day Outstanding Contribution to History Education Award given by the History Channel for his contribution to history education through financial support and guidance to the National History Day program in the state. Other prizes will be awarded in four categories—historical papers, projects, performances, and media presentations—on junior (grades six to eight) and senior (grades nine to 12) levels. The competition will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center on campus. The awards ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. The first and second place winners in each category will go on to the national contest in Maryland in June.

The event, which is sponsored by William Paterson University, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, and the New Jersey Historical Commission, is co-sponsored by the American Labor Museum/Botto House National Landmark; Association of New Jersey County and Cultural and Historic Agencies: Beta Chi Chapter, Pi Lambda Theta; Educational Media Association of New Jersey; New Jersey Geographic Alliance; League of Historical Societies of New Jersey; New Jersey Council for the Social Studies; New Jersey Historical Society; and New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance.

For additional Information, please call Nancy Norris-Bauer, William Paterson director of field experiences, and coordinator of the event, at 973-720-2108.

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For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966

4/30/03