After more than six months of preparation, three students managed to advance to the National level of History Day.

Annually, Minnesota’s National History Day is held at the University of Minnesota with only two entrants from each category per state allowed to compete in the event at the national level.

This year, sophomores Toviya Slager, Cedar Thomas and Allison Cramer advanced, and there were  six honorable mentions at the State level May 3.

Slager advanced getting second place for his senior individual paper about why the Dutch failed to save the Jews during World War II.

Slager said he learned many lessons and enjoyed using his family as sources.

“It helped teach me how to do research and forced me to look for primary sources,” Slager said. “I was able to use my grandparents as primary sources.”

Social studies teacher Carley Kregness said she hopes students enjoy the contest.

“The reason I love History Day is I think it teaches way more than just history,” Kregness said. “It combines (history) with aspects that don’t just apply to history.”

Cramer and Thomas, who competed in the senior group website category, also won second in place.

Thomas said the group was surprised when they heard they had advanced.

“We didn’t think we would move on,” Thomas said. “We were really surprised to be on the list.”

Cramer and Thomas said were glad to finish preparing for nationals.

“Yesterday was the last day we could edit the website,” Thomas said. “We made edits and made sure our information was accurate and organized.”

According to Cramer, this was a relief to not worry about making more edits.

“Now we’re looking forward to just going to D.C.,” she said.

Slager said he will continue to prepare for the national competition.

“I’m giving a presentation of my paper at my synagogue, and I have to fundraise to get (to D.C.),” Slager said.

In order to fundraise, Slager said he has been emailing local companies asking for donations.

This year’s honorable mentions include sophomores Danny Campos, Julia Nathan, Gabi Miller, Zoe Leuthner, Madison Vigness and Ketki Hotaling.