[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 45 (Monday, March 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HISTORY DAY

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2012

  Ms. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National History 
Day, a year-long academic program in the humanities focused on 
historical research for 6th to 12th grade students. On Monday, February 
13, 2012, President Obama awarded National History Day with the 
prestigious 2011 National Humanities Medal. The White House recognized 
this program as one that ``inspires in American students a passion for 
history,'' and today it is our privilege to echo this commendation.
  In doing so, we congratulate Dr. Cathy Gorn, Executive Director of 
National History Day, the entire National History Day Staff, its board, 
and its honorary advisory council on their distinguished service. It is 
quite uncommon for a program--rather than an individual--to win this 
prominent medal, and it is clear this program is deserving of our 
acknowledgement.
  The National History Day program invites students to conduct primary 
historical research in libraries, archives, museums, and historic 
sites. Their analysis ultimately results in original conclusions that 
culminate in papers, websites, exhibits, performances, and 
documentaries. These products are then entered into local, state, and 
national competitions.
  Each year, more than half a million elementary and secondary school 
students participate in this not-for-profit program. The organization 
operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, as well as U.S. 
territories and is currently in the process of expanding 
internationally.
  Students walk away from National History Day with a wealth of 
information as well as invaluable research, problem solving, and 
critical thinking skills. The program has been called ``one of the 
nation's most successful educational efforts in the humanities.'' In 
fact, studies have shown that the college and career-ready skills that 
students acquire through participation in National History Day have 
resulted in substantially improved performance on standardized tests 
across all subjects, including science and math.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize National History Day and to 
associate myself with its noble cause. I urge my colleagues to join me 
in honoring this tremendous program in order to demonstrate our 
gratitude and to encourage the continuation of its good works.

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