March 7, 2022 - Two Baldwin Intermediate School students are on their way to state’s after winning first place in the regional Virginia History Day competition. Fifth graders Damian Chaires and Grayson Reid, who are part of the Gifted and Talented program, presented their project Tremendous  Transformation in Tehran during the District 5 Regional competition held Saturday, March 5, in Springfield. With the help of Amanda Jones, a Gifted Resource teacher, and Christy Harris, an English and social studies teacher, these students explored the importance of diplomacy through analyzing the Tehran Conference of WWII. 

Virginia History Day is a competition where students in grade 4 through 12 conduct research projects relating to a unifying theme. The theme for the 2022 competition is “Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences.” Entries may be made by individual students or small groups.

Fourth and fifth graders compete in the elementary division, which requires the students to make an exhibit on the topic of their choosing.

At regionals, the top three elementary entries qualify for the state competition which will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond on April 23. Elementary entries are not eligible to compete at Nationals, but winning teams will be invited to spectate.

Anthony Vargas, Supervisor of Gifted and Talented for Manassas City Public Schools, said District 5 is the most competitive district in Virginia and consistently has the most entries. The district includes Alexandria, Arlington, Caroline, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, King George, Lancaster, Loudoun, Manassas Park, Manassas, Northumberland, Prince William, Richmond County, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland. 

Damian and Grayson were presented medals during an award ceremony following Saturday’s competition. They will also be recognized during Superintendent Spotlights and Announcements at an upcoming school board meeting.

(Pictured at top right: Damian, Ms. Jones and Grayson at regionals March 5. At left, Damian and Grayson pose with their project "Tremendous Transformation in Tehran.")