Winston Churchill Middle School students lead at the 2025 Sacramento County History Day Competition

Students across the San Juan Unified School District showcased their passion for history at the 2025 Sacramento County History Day Competition. 

The Sacramento County History Day Competition is just the beginning of the journey to the National History Day Competition. These competitions drive students to conduct research and create projects on historical topics that they select, overall providing an increase of engagement in history education.

Participants from Mary Deterding Elementary School, Winston Churchill Middle School, Mira Loma High School and Rio Americano High School gathered on March 15 at California State University, Sacramento to present their projects. 

Students explored the theme of “Rights and Responsibilities in History” by developing a presentation in one of the various categories, including documentary, performance, poster and more.

With over 30 students honored as Junior Champions, Winston Churchill stood out at the local competition. 

Churchill History Day Coach Lyndsay Lewis emphasized the importance of providing students with the opportunity to participate in real-world experiences, including the 2025 Sacramento County History Day Competition. 

“There is a whole group of students on this campus that want to spend time learning about history,” said Lewis. “Any student can come and participate.”

Lewis has coached students for History Day for ten years.

“It is exciting to see our team grow,” exclaimed Lewis. “It is a big part of the school culture because we are providing an opportunity that doesn’t have any sort of tryout and everyone is welcome.”

“I’ve been doing Sacramento County History Day since the second grade,” shared sixth-grade student Audrey Ellsworth. “I had great teachers that gave me advice to manage my time and helped me to get the right sources and get work done.”

Ellsworth is one of the championing students who will advance to the state finals with her exhibit on The Freedom Riders of 1961. 

Students recognized as Champions will advance to the National History Day California State Finals and participate in the Elementary, Junior and Senior Division Awards in May.