Agenda Item
b. Student Recognition: 2024 National History Day National Competition at the University of Maryland
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member, District 2
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education recognize Nia Stephen of DeKalb Arts Academy for her documentary titled, Out with the Old and In with the New: A New Economic Pathway for Black Women. Her documentary was showcased in the Oprah Winfrey Theater of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The showcase took place during the National History Day (NHD) National Competition at the University of Maryland, June 9-13, 2024.
Why: Nia Stephens' documentary titled, Out with the Old and In with the New: A New Economic Pathway for Black Women, was showcased in the Oprah Winfrey Theater of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Details: National History Day (NHD) 2024 is a year-long academic program that involves over half a million middle and high school students globally in historical research projects based on an annual theme. For 2024, the theme was "Turning Points in History".
Contest Structure
Students start by creating projects in one of five categories: documentaries, exhibits, performances, websites, or papers. These projects begin at the school level and can advance through regional and affiliate contests, culminating in the National Contest.
National Contest
The 2024 National Contest was held from June 9-13 at the University of Maryland, College Park. Nearly 3,000 students, along with their families and teachers, gathered for a week of competitions, educational activities, and celebrations.
Financial impact: None
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731,
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678,676.0731,
Dr. Penny Mosley, Assistant Superintendent, P-5, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0137,
Mrs. Stephanie Brown-Bryant, Director, K-12, Teaching & Learning, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0161
Effective: August 12, 2024
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
P R O C L A M AT I O N
Honoring Nia Stephens
Documentary showcased in the Oprah Winfrey Theater of the Smithsonian
National Museum of African American History and Culture
August 12, 2024
WHEREAS: The DeKalb County Board of Education is committed to excellence in education and fostering a
love of learning in all our students; and
WHEREAS: A strong foundation in social studies, including history, is essential for student success; and
WHEREAS: DeKalb Arts Academy student, Nia Stephens, has demonstrated exceptional perseverance;
and
WHEREAS: Nia’s work was showcased in the Oprah Winfrey Theater of the Smithsonian National
Museum of African American History and Culture from June 9-13, 2024.
WHEREAS: Impressively, Nia was selected from more than 150 documentaries, showcasing
extraordinary academic excellence.
THEREFORE: Be it known that the DeKalb County School District recognizes Nia Stephens for her
documentary titled, Out with the Old and In with the New: A New Economic Pathway for
Black Women. Her documentary was showcased in the Oprah Winfrey Theater of
the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Nia’s
dedication to communicating historical experiences serves as an inspiration to all students.
The Board congratulates Nia, her teachers, and her family on this remarkable achievement.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta Sr. Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce
Mrs. Vickie
DeKalb B.School
County Turner, Chair
District DeKalb CountyDaCosta,
Mr. Diijon Vice Chair
School District
Board Chair Board Vice Chair
Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris, Superintendent
Dr.Devon
Dr. DevonQ.Horton
Horton
DeKalb County School District
Superintendent