Agenda Item
c. Proclamation: Honoring Jack Plemper, Invited Presenter at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Whitney McGinniss, Board Member, District 2
Proclamation
Honoring Jack Plemper, Invited Presenter at the Smithsonian NaƟonal Museum of
American History
WHEREAS: The DeKalb County Board of Educa on is commi ed to excellence in educa on and
fostering a love of history and cri cal thinking in all our students; and a strong founda on in
historical research and analysis is essen al for student success; and
WHEREAS: Druid Hills High School student, Jack Plemper, has demonstrated excep onal academic
dedica on with his Senior Level Exhibit, tled "Bukhara: Despots to Dictators," which
aligned with the 2026 Na onal History Day theme of "Revolu on, Reac on, Reform in
History"; and Jack earned 1st place at the District level and 1st place at the Regional level,
followed by a 2nd place finish at the State level, securing his place in the na onal
compe on; and
WHEREAS: Jack’s outstanding performance advanced him to the Na onal NHD compe on at the
University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, June 14-18, 2026, where, alongside the
guidance of his sponsoring teacher Christoff Murray, Jack was chosen as an "invited
presenter" in the Exhibit Showcase at the Smithsonian's Na onal Museum of American
History and was invited by the President of Georgia Humani es to present his project to
their Board of Directors in Washington, D.C.
THEREFORE: Be it known that the DeKalb County School District recognizes Jack Plemper for his
extraordinary achievements in the Na onal History Day Compe on and his exemplary
representa on of DeKalb County schools on a na onal stage. Jack’s passion for historical
scholarship serves as an inspira on to all students. The Board congratulates Jack, his
sponsoring teacher Christoff Murray, and his family on this remarkable accomplishment.