The Martin County School District was proud to celebrate academic excellence during the 2026 Martin County School District History Fair on February 25, recognizing outstanding young historians from schools across the District.
The annual event, hosted by South Fork High School social studies teacher and 2026 National History Day Teacher of the Year nominee Natalie Williams, continues to serve as an academic showcase where students bring history to life through research, analysis, and creative presentation.
School Board Member Amy Pritchett delivered the keynote address, encouraging students to view history as a tool for understanding today’s world. She emphasized that participation in History Fair helps students strengthen critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills while deepening their understanding of civic responsibility and community.
During the awards ceremony, brothers Q. Markis Brooks, a former Florida History Day competitor, and Maurice Smith donated $1,000 to support Martin County students advancing to the state competition.
District winners will represent Martin County at the Florida History Day state competition in Tallahassee from May 3–5. The donation will help offset travel and participation costs, ensuring students can continue showcasing their work at the next level.
Congratulations to the following students:
1st Place in Junior Division Paper Category: Taylor Ray, Hidden Oaks Middle School -
"The Rise and Fall of Asperger Syndrome"
1st Place in Individual Documentaries: Elijah Duncan,
Hidden Oaks Middle School - "Boston Tea, Tossed in Teal"
1st Place in Website: Andrew Pinto,
Murray Middle School -
"The Vietnam War"
1st Place in Website: Kaleb Stone, Martin County High School - "Voice of Defiance: The Civil Rights Revolution"
1st Place in Group Exhibits: Zoey Hampton, Albert Riggins, & Alaysia Greene, South Fork High School - "Reform, Resilience, Revolution: The Black Pursuit of Justice"
1st Place in Senior Division Paper: Sienna Hinsley, Jensen Beach High School - "The Blooming of Art Inspired by The Mexican Revolution"
2nd Place in Group Documentary: Gabriel Quintero, Ian Rawlings, Jesus Rivera, & Braylon Carter, South Fork High School - "The Haitian Revolution"
2nd Place in Group Exhibits: Cecilia Espaillat & Gabriella (Gabby) Hodder, Hidden Oaks Middle School - "The Berlin Wall: The Wall That Divided"
2nd Place in Senior Division Paper: Mia D' Aquino, Jensen Beach High School -
"The Bolshevik Revolution & Its Lasting Impact on Modern Day Russia"
View photos from the awards ceremony here: 2026 Martin County School District History Fair.
The Martin County School District congratulates all participants, teachers, and families for their hard work and dedication. The 2026 History Fair once again showcased the remarkable talent, curiosity, and academic excellence of Martin County students.