Students from nine schools in the state met April 13th at USM for the annual History Day competition. Entry categories were individual and group work in exhibits, performances, and papers. A quiz bowl and the award ceremony rounded out the day.
Annie Dixon represented Rowan with her performance as Zora Neale Hurston. In her interview with the judges, Ms. Dixon acknowledged our school librarian, Ms. Ruffin, for inspiring her research on Hurston. The second place award qualifies her as one of the state's two representatives in the category at the National History Day competition in Maryland this June. This will be Ms. Dixon's second trip to Maryland. Last year she represented Mississippi with a performance as Harriet Tubman.
The quiz bowl team won their third consecutive state championship in convincing fashion, beating Murrah High School 8-1 in the final round. Team members Stephen Goggin, Latisha Harrison, Nicole Spillman, and Scott Varnado, along with alternate Molly Southern, proved that hard work pays when they accepted their trophy at the award ceremony.
Thanks go out to all of these students for the effort and courage inherent in their performances. Also, thanks are due to the students' parents, Dr. Bryant, and Mr. Vanzandt for their support, moral and otherwise. Without all of them--students, parents, faculty, and administrators--none of this would have been possible.
