Hurricane Middle students Kenzingtyn Safford, Georgia Smith, Kylee Ravun, and Emma Myrick won third place honors for their project at the State Social Studies Fair.
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) hosted more than 500 students in Charleston on Wednesday, April 10, as part of the 2024 West Virginia State Social Studies Fair (WVSSSF). The competition field comprised of Division I (Grades 3-5), Division II (Grades 6-8), and Division III (Grades 9-12). Participating students earned first place in their school, county and regional competitions. Judges scored projects based on a student-led oral presentation, research and findings, theme and overall display.
Putnam County students in Division II winning regional honors and participating in the April 10 fair were:
Hudson Dobbins & Eli Conner, Winfield Middle, Development of Great American Cities; Kenzingtyn Safford, Georgia Smith, Kylee Ravun, & Emma Myrick, Hurricane Middle, Point Pleasant Mothman; Briony Guidry, Winfield Middle, The Man in the Red Bandana; and Robert Welsh, Hurricane Middle, WV Coal Wars.
Receiving WVSSSF honors were Hudson Dobbins and Eli Conner – second place in group competition; Kenzingtyn Safford, Georgia Smith, Kylee Rauen, and Emma Myrick – third place group competition; and Briony Guidry – honorable mention in individual competition.
Student worked individually and in teams to enter approximately 320 projects. The event brought students from 40 counties to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and features the largest competition field within the last 10 years.
Students presented projects in content areas such as anthropology, economics, political science, U.S. history, psychology and more. Participating students earned first place in their school, county and regional competitions. Judges scored projects based on a student-led oral presentation, research and findings, theme and overall display.
Social studies education challenges students to ask thought-provoking questions, predict outcomes, create solutions and draw conclusions from recognized behavioral patterns. The WVSSSF expands these learning outcomes by rewarding students for their dedication to extracurricular education and providing authentic learning opportunities that enhance their self-development, research, communication and critical thinking skills.
“It is inspiring to see students so passionate about their education and confident in their skills and talents. The future of the Mountain State shines bright knowing students of this caliber are tomorrow’s thought-leaders, innovators, teachers and more,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “This experience is something I hope will carry them throughout their educational journey and into their careers, knowing they are capable of anything they aspire to do.”
