Entries
Process papers are often awkward by nature. This can be
minimized with correct grammar and spelling and varied sentence structure. For
group events, the process paper should be written in first person plural, and
team members should be referred to by name.
Referring to historical figures by first name only is rarely
appropriate. Characters in a performance are an exception.
Judging
Within each event, entries are split into seven rooms. From
each room, two entries move on to finals. In finals, the entry must stand on
its own – no judge questions. This means that paper, website, and exhibit
competitors don’t know until after the awards ceremony if they made finals
because they don’t have to be present for finals judging.
60% of the judging is based on the history – accuracy,
context, analysis, use of available primary sources, and wide research. Another
20% has to do with the theme – relation to the theme, showing the significance
of the topic of the entry, drawing conclusions. The last 20% is based on
balanced research, clarity, and presentation of the entry.
Wide research – variety of sources, both primary and
secondary
Balanced research – multiple perspectives, identifies biases
Competitors should always know more about their topic than
they present, and they must be able to answer specific questions about their
topic and sources.
Typical questions about sources: Which was the most
interesting, most influential, or most important? Judges may also ask more
specific questions, for example, “I see you interviewed Professor X. How did
that influence your entry?”
Typical general questions: When did you start working on
your entry? What have you changed since districts/state? What surprised you
most in your research? What did you learn? What single thing should we take
away from your entry? Questions also often require bringing the topic to the
present – what influence has it had?
Students should be able to defend unusual choices they made
in their entry. For example, I saw a performance that was almost entirely
pantomime, and they were asked to explain the decision to do pantomime instead
of a more traditional performance.
Students should shake hands with the judges. In paper, the
most convenient time is at the beginning of the interview. For all the other
events, it’s best done while passing out process papers.
Students should not tell the judges that they’re from a
certain state. The judges aren’t supposed to know.
Bring four process papers to the competition. There are
three judges for prelims and three judges for finals. At each step every judge
will take a process paper, but after the judging they keep only one.
Students should dress well on any day they’re competing
competing – so for paper, website, and exhibit, have one nice outfit, and for
performance and documentary, have two in case you make finals.
Delegation Related:
Pin trading is a big deal, particularly if you stay in the
dorms, I think. State pins are for sale at the state NHD competition, and then
at nationals the competitors trade and try to get a pin from every affiliate.
Most states wear the state NHD t-shirt to the awards
ceremony, so bring it!
Going to the performances and documentary showings of other
people in one’s delegation is highly encouraged.
Housing, Meals, and
Transportation:
I’ve heard mixed reviews on the dorms and whether it’s worth
staying there. If you stay in the dorms your meals are at the dining hall, not
in the Stamp Student Union (which is basically the center of competition
activity). There’s definitely a greater sense of community in the dorms. It’s
pretty expensive, though.
If you’re staying off campus at a hotel, there are a couple
within walking distance, but having a car is a better idea. It rained one of
the days we were there and was hot and humid some of the rest of the time.
Having a car is almost necessary for performance competitors, and even website
and documentary students have to carry around copies of their process papers.
If you’re staying off campus, the food in the Stamp Student
Center is easiest for lunch.
McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, Moby Dick’s (really good kabobs), Sbarro, a salad
place, Panda Express, a sushi place, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and Taco Bell.
There are some vending machines and a coffee bar.
Parking is $5 a day.
At the Competition:
Except when competing, competitors can be dressed casually.
Most people were in t-shirts and shorts at the awards ceremony. For
performance, dress as is best for the costume – so not necessarily dressed up
if that’s inconvenient, but visible jeans and tennis shoes are bad unless
they’re in character.
Bring a water bottle. It’s hot, drinks are expensive, and
there are bottle filling stations in the student union.
Groups should decide if they want to go into DC or see other
competitors. Audience members are welcome in documentaries and performances,
and exhibits are open to the public often.
NHD polos, tees, long-sleeved tees, and hoodies are sold at
the competition, as well as some curriculum materials. The clothes go really
quickly (some styles sold out by Tuesday afternoon).
Senior prelims were technically 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday,
although most rooms finished by 3. Senior finals (only documentary and
performance students need to be present) are 8:30 to 12:30 Wednesday. Awards
are Thursday morning.
Bring an umbrella and/or rain jacket. It’s a college campus,
so if it’s raining, it’s hard not to get wet.
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