Frontier Students Attend National History Day Competition

Four Frontier students traveled to the University of Maryland in June to represent Montana at the 2025 National History Day competition.

The annual contest brought together nearly 3,000 students from across the country and the world, all presenting historical research projects related to this year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” Their journey began eight months earlier with a broad topic that they refined into historical questions and developed into a thesis that aligned with the theme.

In February, students competed at the regional level, then shared their work with the community during Frontier’s Good Vibes event. By April, 21 students advanced to the state competition at Montana State University in Bozeman. From that contest, six qualified for nationals, with two named as alternates. Finalists included Emmy Sansaver, Kenzlie Copenhaver, James Payne, Max Rees and Kori Hentges, with Reed Garfield, Gabe Uy and Mariah Lewis selected as alternates. In the end, Sansaver, Copenhaver, Payne, and Hentges earned the honor of representing Frontier and Montana at the national competition.

At nationals, students presented projects in a variety of formats, including documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, and websites. Frontier’s entries included two exhibit boards by James Payne and Kori Hentges, and two documentaries: Buried Stories: A Family’s Boarding School Journey by Kenzlie Copenhaver, and Fort Shaw Basketball Girls by Emmy Sansaver.

“The display from all the students was truly remarkable,” said Tina Strauser, NHD advisor. “Our students proudly represented Frontier School and the state of Montana with incredible research and passion for their topics.”

The competition also offered rich cultural experiences. Students connected with peers from across the nation and around the world, exchanging stories and learning about different cultures.

Hentges shared that she loved “talking with others about our different cultures and how things are different in other places,” as well as exploring other projects and visiting the Holocaust Museum. Sansaver’s favorite part was “meeting international students, learning how they live, and teaching others about our culture.” Copenhaver enjoyed “experiencing everyone’s cultures and meeting people from around the world,” while Payne highlighted making a special connection with Edward from China, exchanging stories about their respective cultures. The exchange of state buttons was another highlight, giving students the opportunity to meet and talk with peers they might not have approached otherwise.

The week-long event offered more than just competition. The day after presenting their projects, Frontier students joined other Montana competitors on a trip into Washington, D.C., beginning with a breakfast on Capitol Hill with Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy. Each of the Frontier students introduced themselves and their projects, and the senators expressed genuine interest in their work. That same day, the group visited the Judicial building and the White House. A highlight of the trip was a tour of the Library of Congress, where many National History Day students access primary and secondary sources for their research.

Later in the week, the students toured the Holocaust Museum, an experience that proved both powerful and memorable. Funding for the trip was made possible through both community and family efforts. Students and their families, along with Strauser, organized a raffle for a chance to hunt a buffalo. Additional support came through a grant written to the Wolf Point Community Organization, which provided funds to cover half the trip.

“Without funding from the WPCO and the raffle, there was a good chance students may not have been able to attend this national competition,” Strauser said. The experience was the culmination of months of research, practice, and dedication. For the Frontier students, it was not only a chance to showcase their projects on a national stage but also an opportunity to build lifelong memories, connect with peers from around the world, and gain a deeper understanding of history, government, and culture. Looking ahead, Frontier students in grades 6–8 are already gearing up for the National History Day competition. They have begun thinking about topics for this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform,” and are excited to begin their own journeys of historical research and discovery.