Through performances, artistic displays, documentaries, Podcasts, and websites, 306 students brought history to life during Sacramento County History Day on March 15 at California State University, Sacramento. Many of the students who showcased their appreciation for history received awards (including certificates and cash prizes) thanks to the generous support of local organizations.
In preparation for the competition, students refined their historical research and critical thinking skills while strengthening their reading and writing abilities. Their projects explored the 2025 theme: “Rights & Responsibilities in History.”
“History Day participants show how rights and responsibilities have shaped societies through time,” said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon. “The research and presentations not only highlight the struggles and achievements of the past, they help us understand our role in shaping the future.”
Sacramento County Champions
Individuals and teams earning the highest honors (Champions) will advance to the National History Day–California competition, scheduled for May 2–4 at California State University, Sacramento.
The following schools from Sacramento County will be represented in the state competition:
Elk Grove Unified School District
- Cosumnes Oaks High School
- Monterey Trail High School
Folsom Cordova Unified School District
- Alder Creek Elementary School
- Cordova High School
- Folsom High School
- Folsom Middle School
- Sutter Middle School
- Theodore Judah Elementary School
- Vista del Lago High School
Sacramento City Unified School District
- California Middle School
- Leonardo Da Vinci School
- San Juan Unified School District
- Mary Deterding Elementary
- Mira Loma High School
- Rio Americano High School
- Winston Churchill Middle School
Private Schools/Charter Programs
- Al-Arqam Islamic School & College Preparatory
- Our Lady of the Assumption School
- Smythe Academy of Arts and Sciences
About the Competition
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) administers Sacramento County History Day, along with the Center for Sacramento History and a team of dedicated volunteers. The local event is associated with National History Day, a year-long educational program that encourages elementary, middle, and high school students to explore local, state, national, and world history. At each competition level, student projects are evaluated by history experts and educators. Competition divisions include Elementary (grades 4–5), Junior (grades 6–8), and Senior (grades 9–12).