Regional National History Day competitions for 2026 featured the theme “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Swain County Middle School students competed in regional contests in Hendersonville this month, with three winners advancing to the NC History Day State Contest at UNC Greensboro May 2.
From public health to technology to Cherokee history, students explored a range of topics that connected history to their interests and their communities.
High school freshman explores history of immunization
Avery Roland, a ninth-grade student, is competing with an exhibit titled “Erasing Epidemics: The Birth of Modern Immunization.” Her project explores the development of vaccines and their lasting influence on modern medicine.
“I chose to participate in History Day this year to continue pursuing my love for history,” she said. “I have competed since sixth grade and have always wanted to compete at state.”
Roland’s exhibit is a detailed board designed to represent immunization visually and historically.
“On display is a collection of various vials and syringes, to represent different drugs used in today’s medical settings, and … a medical curtain,” she said.
The exhibit board was built with the help of her father, Jason Hoyle.
“The background is black, accompanied by deep red and newspaper text backgrounds,” she said. “Each panel of the exhibit board is home to a different component of this year’s theme. The middle houses my thesis statement and the revolution, the panel to the left shows the reaction, and the right panel has the reform, as well as some additional information.”
Roland explained the importance of visuals and structure.
“Each panel and the organization are crucial for flow and how much sense my project makes,” she said. “Pictures and quotes are crucial to the board because they show more depth and importance than I could ever offer through words myself.”
Her topic aligns directly with the theme: “Revolution — the discovery and usage of Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine; reaction — the public’s apprehension and soon acceptance of the vaccine; reform — how the smallpox vaccine changed the face of medical practices and collaboration today,” Roland said.
Her interest in health care inspired the topic.
“I selected this project because I have always had a special interest in healthcare,” said Roland. “While researching, I came across the idea to talk about vaccinations.”
Roland acknowledged the support she received.
Being the only high school student competing in NHD, there was not an immediate advisor for her to work with.
“I went through the middle school,” she said. “Ms. Megan Lucas and Ms. Amber Lyons were the people who answered any questions. I want to give the utmost thanks to those ladies because without them, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to compete. History is something I’ve always loved, and they continue to support me even as I navigate through high school.”
Roland emphasized the broader relevance of her project.
“It’s important to educate local and state residents on the historical importance of vaccination because we’ve lived through a primary source of disease,” she said. “The more lives we can keep happy and healthy, the better off we are not just as a city or region, but as a nation or even the entire world.”
Roland looks forward to the upcoming state competition and educating the public.
“I am super excited to compete at the state NHD competition,” she said. “Even if I don’t place at state level, I see it as a win to have the opportunity to tell others the history and importance of my project.”
Middle schooler studies digital revolution
Madison Weston, an eighth grader, also advanced to the state level with a project examining technology and society.
“I chose to participate in the History Day competition because I really enjoy history, and I have participated in the competition every year in middle school,” she said. “It’s something I have a passion for.”
Weston’s project focuses on how the digital revolution has shaped communication and daily life.
She added that her interest in technology influenced her choice.
“I have been so interested in technology and how it affects and shapes our world,” she said.
Weston emphasized the importance of public awareness.
“The digital revolution affects everyone’s daily life, and they should know the pros and cons of how technology drives our world,” she said.
Weston is also excited to present her work at the state competition.
“I will be able to showcase my project and share with many more people,” she said.
Seventh grader honors Cherokee history
Elsie-Mae Clayton, a seventh grader, explored the story of Tsali, a Cherokee figure who resisted displacement by white settlers.
“At first I was hesitant to participate this year, but after I thought about it, I wanted to see if I could do a new project that got me to the state competition,” Clayton said.
Her project, “Tsali: The Man, The Myth, & The Legend,” highlights how white settlement disrupted Cherokee life.
“My main focus was on how this affected Tsali and his reaction from being removed from his home,” she said. “He was a symbol of resistance and reformation for the Cherokee people.”
Clayton connected her research to the theme.
“My project relates to the theme because Tsali lived through the revolution of white settlers in the region,” she said. “He reacted by resisting the changes being made. Intentionally or not, he helped the tribe reform.”
Clayton said her project also honors family history.
“Last year my project focused on my personal family history,” said Clayton, recalling her 2025 ‘Broken Promises’ project about Fontana Dam’s history. “This year, I wanted to honor my cousin’s family history. I felt that Tsali would be a great person to learn more about as well as the impact he had on the Cherokee people.”
Clayton also stressed the importance of sharing history, research and knowledge.
“It is important to educate others because whether Tsali did or did not intentionally sacrifice himself, he still helped the Cherokee people become who they are today,” she said.
Clayton is excited for another round of state competition.
“I was able to come in first place last year with a project that meant so much to me and I wanted to do it again this year with another project that means so much to me,” she said.
Principal praises students, teachers
Swain Middle School Principal Ryan McMahan praised the students’ dedication and the support of their teachers.
“I am incredibly proud of all our students who participated in the Regional History Day competition. What an amazing group. We took 25 students, and every one of them did a fantastic job,” McMahan said.
He acknowledged the effort students invested:
“Our students put in countless hours researching, creating, and perfecting their projects, and it truly showed in their work,” he said.
McMahan credited educators Megan Lucas and Amber Lyons for their guidance.
“I was basically just a cheerleader for the day, but Mrs. Megan Lucas and Mrs. Amber Lyons were the driving forces behind this process,” he said. “They spent time before and after school to help our students shine. They are truly outstanding teachers.”
He highlighted the joy of celebrating student success and recognized those advancing to states.
“I absolutely love getting to celebrate our students and all the incredible things they accomplish,” McMahan said. “I am especially proud of Madison and Elsie-Mae for advancing to the state competition. I know they will represent Swain Middle School so well, and I couldn’t be more excited for them.”