The South Haven History Club impressed for the 13th consecutive year at the national competition this month. Seniors Nic Sheppard and Myles Daugherty secured second place in their age-group category with a project titled “Debate and Diplomacy: The Acquisition and Creation of the Panama Canal.” Additionally, they placed in the top 20 group exhibits in the nation, battling over 3,000 other competitors from across the country, and were invited to display their exhibit virtually in the Smithsonian American History Museum in Washington, D.C. The project can be physically viewed in the CMU History Museum this summer. Nic and Myles’ work is also available at the South Haven History Museum and the MHD Headquarters.
Victoria Moody, in her second year as a member of the SHPS History Club, was awarded third place in the Individual Performance Junior Division with “Leading the Way in Copper Country.” Her performance landed her a place in the top 30 projects in the U.S.
In the past 13 years, South Haven has made a name for itself as one of the most competitive clubs across the State. In this time, they’ve earned two national titles, two top ten placements, two top twenty placements, and two special awards for use of historical newspapers. For Nic Sheppard and Myles Daugherty, this season marks their fifth time representing Michigan at the national level.
During the almost year-round preparations, Club Advisor, Mrs. Julie Sheppard, seeks opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. Students interview first-hand witnesses, speak with historians, and even retrace the steps of historical figures. Recently, Nic and Myles traveled to North Dakota to meet with Joe Wiegand, a Teddy Roosevelt Historian, to wrap up their project. They visited Roosevelt’s ranch and spoke with Governor Doug Durgum about the installation of the new Teddy Roosevelt Library.
“It’s always one thing to read, watch video documentaries, fully understand and grasp a topic or subject but until you are there and you see the same things they see, you don’t have all perspectives. Being able to go see physical objects, see locations, and meet people that are involved and/or were a part of events through history allows you to gain that perspective. Those experiences provided through our History Club have been my favorite and created lifelong learning moments,” said Nic Sheppard.
Not only does Mrs. Sheppard inspire her students to become better educated citizens, but she has also been recognized for her efforts by National History Day. In 2020, Mrs. Sheppard was the Michigan nominee for the senior division teacher of the year and in 2021 she was named Michigan Historical Association History Educator of the Year.
Of the Club’s 31 members, 90% qualified for the first round of districts and 67% moved on to state.
South Haven’s History Club is a unique program that elevates learning opportunities and represents our community, region, and state in the best of light.
