After winning at the regional competition, senior Eric Hendricks looks forward to the statewide competition of history projects.

Four Park students will compete at State History Day, according to world history teacher and social studies department head Carley Kregness. Senior George Hare qualified for his individual documentary, and seniors Eric Hendricks, Zoe Leuthner and Madison Vignes qualified for their group website.

This year’s theme for History Day is “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in history,” according to National History Day.

Senior Eric Hendricks said his group made a website about the first heart transplant.

“We decided to (study) the first heart transplant and the backstory to it,” Hendricks said. “We used the theme from a lens of who performed it and what events and findings led up to it.”

Kregness said the projects stood out because of their creativity, analysis and use of the theme.

“George’s was creative, and (had) good content. The website had really good analysis and connection to the theme and good use of primary sources,” Kregness said.

Kregness said History Day helps students with their research and analysis skills.

“(Our) core outcomes for 10th grade world history are thesis writing, bibliography writing, source citation and then actual researching and finding of sources,” Kregness said. “So those are the different kinds of research skills we’re looking for.”

Kregness said students will spend time working to improve their project prior to the state competition.

“They can improve their project as much as they want. They can meet with me, they can meet with a rep from the historical society, get advice,” Kregness said.

Presentation options for History Day include documentary, performance, exhibit board, paper or website, according to National History Day.

Hendricks said his group chose to make a website for convenience.

“We thought since we may not all be able to meet up to work on it at a given time, with (a website) we would each be able to go in and work on a particular section or detail that we had discussed previously,” Hendricks said.

Kregness said History Day helps students further enjoy studying history and improve their research skills.

“I think History Day is an awesome learning experience for all students. That’s why we have them all do it. It’s a fantastic way to learn (research) skills,” Kregness said. “I like History Day so much because it allows every student to pick a topic they’re really interested in.”

The State competition takes place May 1 at the University of Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Historical Society. About 1,300 students will compete.

Hendricks said his group is discussing how to improve their project prior to State.

“We are planning to meet soon and evaluate what needs to be accomplished,” Hendricks said.