2013 Behring Award recipient from North Carolina

Amanda Hilliard Smith

Beaufort County Early College High School

Senior Division

2013 Behring Award recipient from North Carolina

Why are you an NHD Teacher?

The National History Day competition is a great extension of the work that I do in my classroom. I teach at Beaufort County Early College High School, where each year 60 low-income students are selected to participate in an academically rigorous program. The students have the ability to earn their associate's degree along with their high school diploma. I teach honors World History along with honors Civics & Economics to nineth graders. It is my job to prepare them for the college courses that they start taking in the 10th grade. I want my students to learn how to think like historians by developing research and writing skills.

What is your favorite quote about history? 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

If you could have dinner with any figure in history, who would it be and why?

I am currently finishing a local history book on the Williamston Freedom Movement. The local leader of the movement, Sarah Small, died before I started my research. While I have personally done over 30 interviews with other people about the local civil rights movement, Sarah Small's perspective is lost in history. Sarah Small is a reminder to me of the importance of collecting and preserving local history. Every year I have my students do oral interviews with people who remember the movement. I also invite people from the community into my classes as quest speakers to share their perspectives. I feel that it is important for my students to be aware of the local civil rights movement and the great risks that people their own age took in order to end segregation.

How has NHD affected your students beyond increased knowledge of their chosen topic?

Every year I hold a school competition to determine the projects that will go on to regional competition. I invite local historians to help judge the students' projects. Last year Dr. Keith Lyons, a history professor at Beaufort County Community College, was so impressed by my student Tim's project on the Protestant Reformation that he volunteered to mentor that student after school. I watch every week as Tim's ability to analysis and interpret documents increased under Dr. Lyons' mentorship. Tim became a better student as a result of getting to see first hand how historians work.

Once they graduate, what do you want your students to remember about their NHD experience?

I have seen the confidence that participating in this competition has given my students. The opportunity to defend original research in front of judges is an awarding experience. I have seen my students really bloom through this process. Long after they graduate, the NHD experience will continue to remind my students that they can do anything that they put their mind to.

http://www.nhd.org/teacherhighlight.htm