Highlights Archives
National History Day Winner Impresses All
The Wisconsin Historical Society was in for a treat on September 19 when a very special guest, Cody Haro of Holmen High School, shared his top-notch historical scholarship with staff members. Earlier this summer, Cody won first place for his senior individual exhibit at the National History Day national competition in College Park, Maryland. Cody's exhibit examined a group of American volunteers, known as the Abraham Lincoln Battalion, who fought in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) in support of the democratic Spanish Republic. His research took him far beyond the pages of a textbook as he read reminiscences, newspaper articles and even interviewed two surviving members of the battalion. His hard work paid off when, in addition to his first-place finish, Cody earned a $20,000 scholarship to the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Cody, now a high school senior, presented the findings of his research to a staff composed largely of professional historians. He not only did so with poise and self-assurance, he deftly answered the staff's many questions about his research and his plans for the future. After participating in National History Day twice — once as an eighth grader and once as an 11th grader — and making it to the national finals both times, one staff member asked Cody what his next National History Day project would be. "I think I'm officially retired from National History Day," quipped Cody, adding that, instead of participating in the program for a third year, he plans to help middle school students plan and execute their National History Day projects.
 Cody Haro and dad at the state Capitol After his presentation at the Historical Society, Cody shared his work with several of his area legislators, including Assembly Speaker Michael Huebsch (R-94th Assembly District), Representative Jennifer Shilling (D-95th Assembly District) and Representative Lee Nerison (R-96th Assembly District). He spoke about his project, how he became interested in the Abraham Lincoln Battalion, and his enthusiasm for doing historical research. Cody also discussed his plans for the future, including his hopes to study history and political science at the University of Minnesota and then attend law school. After the meeting in the Speaker's conference room, Cody and his father took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Capitol where they took in the views of Madison from the top of the building.
"Cody Haro and his research project exemplify what a vital program such as National History Day can do to help our junior high school and senior high school students to excel," said Historical Society Director Ellsworth Brown. "His painstaking research, and his poise in presenting it to a group of history professionals and state lawmakers, truly impressed us all. If we could have tendered a job offer to Cody, we would have! We expect to hear more from this young man," said Brown.
The Wisconsin Historical Society once again congratulates Cody on his work and his impressive scholarship. For more information about the yearlong National History Day program, please visit our National History Day Web site.
:: Posted October 12, 2007
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