MCS Students Place at State Social Studies Fair
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) hosted more than 500 students in Charleston as part of the 2024 West Virginia State Social Studies Fair (WVSSSF) on Wednesday.
Students worked individually and in teams to enter approximately 320 projects. The event brought students from 40 counties to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and features the largest competition field within the last 10 years.
Students in grades 3 through 12 presented projects in content areas such as anthropology, economics, political science, U.S. history, psychology and more. Participating students earned first place in their school, county and regional competitions. Judges scored projects based on a student-led oral presentation, research and findings, theme and overall display.
Social studies education challenges students to ask thought-provoking questions, predict outcomes, create solutions and draw conclusions from recognized behavioral patterns. The WVSSSF expands these learning outcomes by rewarding students for their dedication to extracurricular education and providing authentic learning opportunities that enhance their self-development, research, communication and critical thinking skills.
Marshall County Schools had nine students earn 1st place, three students obtain 2nd place, nine students secure 3rd place and seven students receive honorable mention at the 2024 WV Social Studies Fair.
Division I Winners: (Elementary) 3-5
1st Place:
Aubrey Gatts – Service Dogs – Political Science
Addilyn Ellwood, Leanna Roberts – The Greenbrier Hidden Bunkers – Political Science
Maya Loudermilk – Living With an Iron Lung– U.S. History
2nd Place:
Megan Marling, Jersey Schafer – Niagara Falls – Geography
3rd Place:
Colton Scherich, Camden Hill – Dallas Cowboys: America’s Team – U.S. History
Delaney Doty, Arya Ripley – Women During World War II– World History
Honorable Mention:
River Dolin, Keylee Robbins – The Walking Dead – Sociology
Jaxon Burge, Maddox Frye – Logan Routt: Our Hometown Hero – State & Local Studies
Division II Winners: (Middle School) 6-8
1st Place:
Chloe Pickett – Moral Effects on Non-Jewish Holocaust Rescuers – Psychology
Braxton Haught, Zane Gast – Black Dolphin Prison – Psychology
Abby Allman – Lewis Wetzel – State & Local Studies
Gracelynn Welch – Holocaust – World History
2nd Place:
Ava Hill – How Music Affected Civil War Soldiers – Sociology
3rd Place:
Colsen McCutcheon – Wrigley’s Wealth Underwrapped – Economics
Adah Aubrey, Emily Gatts – Impact of Hurricanes – Geography
Carter Robbins, Carson Sauriol – Vietnam War – Political Science
Honorable Mention:
John Hunnel, Maddox Shipley – Amish Lifestyle – Anthropology
Jessalyn Twarog – Boston Tea Party – Political Science
“It is inspiring to see students so passionate about their education and confident in their skills and talents. The future of the Mountain State shines bright knowing students of this caliber are tomorrow’s thought-leaders, innovators, teachers and more,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “This experience is something I hope will carry them throughout their educational journey and into their careers, knowing they are capable of anything they aspire to do.”
The WVDE established the WVSSSF in 1977 in partnership with Marshall University and with input from a group of West Virginia social studies teachers. The first fairs were in Huntington and later moved to Charleston.
