The Martin County School District’s History Fair returned for a second year, after a 20-year absence, and close to 100 students from Murray Middle School and Hidden Oaks Middle School participated.
On March 7, 2024, students were honored for their outstanding history projects during the 2024 History Fair Awards Ceremony at Murray Middle School.
The event included two special speakers: Q’ Markis Brooks, the son of MMS History Teacher Ms. Natalie Williams; and Robert Grundstrom, a World History and Holocaust Teacher at Treasure Coast High School.
Mr. Brooks shared with the attendees and students how participating in history fairs as a child put him on a journey of personal success. Mr. Grundstrom, the event keynote speaker, spoke about the importance of knowing local and national history.
Students competed in the following categories: Group Exhibits, Individual Exhibits, Group Documentary, Group Website, Individual Website, Individual Paper and Group Performances.
Eighteen students received honorable mentions for their history projects. The top two in each category are advancing to the Florida History Fair on May 6 and 7 at Tallahassee Community College.
Martin County School District Coordinator Mark Cowles credits Ms. Williams for her dedication to bringing back the history fair for MCSD students.
“This event happened because of her and her son,” Mr. Cowles shared. “We are also appreciative of the history teachers here at Murray Middle School and Hidden Oaks Middle School for encouraging their students to participate.”
Congratulations to the students who participated in this year’s history fair and the 29 students advancing to the state fair.
View a list of all the winners, here.
To view all photos from the awards ceremony, click here.
Group Exhibit First Place: Elise Taylor, Brisa Lopez Escobar, & Aubrey Kleabir (Murray Middle School)
History Fair Keynote Speaker Robert Grundstrom, Superintendent Michael Maine, History Fair Coordinator Natalie Williams (Murray Middle School), MCSD Coordinator Mark Cowles, Assistant Superintendent of Academics Troy Labarbara, Honorary Guest Q’ Markis Brooks
Individual Website First Place: Kaleb Stone (Murray Middle School)
Group Exhibit Second Place: Jackson Canik & Jose Chao (Hidden Oaks Middle School)