"National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for 6th- to 12th-grade students. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history."

CDS students were introduced to National History Day's theme of "Frontiers in History" when school began in August.  While all of the projects had merit in inspiring research and study, twelve outstanding projects qualified for the Hillsborough County National History Day awards program. Friday, February 24, 2023  - 6 students from Middle School and 6 students from Upper School attended the competition at Hillsborough Community College with their exhibits, webpages, documentaries, essays, and performances.  The results were gratifying with three students receiving top awards that will move them on to the Florida State competitions this May, and three special judges awards for excellence in areas such as research and creativity.  

Middle School winning entries included, "Lighting Up America, The New Frontier of Technology, Innovation, and Persistence," "We The People, a Constitutional Frontier," and "The Frontier of Roman Military Advancement".  Upper School winning entries included, "The British Raj's Impact on India"," Frida Kahlo's Frontier in Art" and "How the Moorish Conquest Impacted the Spanish Culture"

Congratulations to our CDS winners;

• 1st Place - Junior Individual Documentary - Chloe R., “Lighting Up America” (8th Grade)
• 2nd Place - Senior Individual Documentary - Alexa A., “How the Moorish Conquest Impacted Spanish Culture” (9th grade)
• 1st Place - Junior Individual Performance - Nancy N., “We the People - A Constitutional Frontier” (8th Grade)

All students handled themselves with much grace and integrity; they made us so very proud. CDS students presented the county's History Day coordinator with handwritten thank-you notes to show their appreciation for all of the efforts that made it a day to remember.