The National History Day program is an opportunity for students to research and develop projects in a variety of formats on a history topic of their choice. Each year, students in grades 6-12 from around Colorado Springs participate in the regional contest at Colorado College. A committee of Museum staff and volunteers have the difficult task of selecting up to three participants to receive the Marshall and E.J. Sprague Scholarship, established in honor of the Spragues, who for generations served the people of the Pikes Peak Region and delighted in documenting and preserving the area’s rich heritage. Judging criteria for the entries included historical quality of the projects, the clarity of the presentation, and applicant’s dedication to the study of history. We are pleased to announce this year’s winners are 10th graders Molly McCandless and Rachel Olas, who both attend the Colorado Springs Christian School.Â
Each scholarship recipient was asked to share more about their research and enthusiasm for history:Â
Molly McCandless
For her project, Molly first began to research the ski industry. It was during this research that she found her subject: the Eisenhower Tunnel. While compiling her project, she used Colorado’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) website, looked at microfilm in the Old Colorado City Carnegie Library and interviewed the senior staff historian for CDOT.
In the end, she chose to create an exhibit featuring a diorama of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Using wood, foam, spray paint, plaster cloth, and battery-powered lights, Molly was able to assemble her own miniature version of the tunnel.Â
Molly participated in History Day as it was a requirement of one of her honors classes, though, she says she really enjoyed herself. She sells handmade cards at farmer markets and participates in her school’s student council. There, she helps set up tailgates, pep rallies, and fundraisers. Molly is also on the Varsity tennis team at her school. In the future, she plans to attend college and obtain a four-year degree.
This is a very cliche statement, but history really does repeat itself. I believe it is our responsibility to be aware of our past, so we will not make the same mistakes in the future. History is also just a really incredible story of the world that is intriguing to study. Don't take advantage of it! The privileges and opportunities we have today are made possible by those who came before us, and we should honor their roles and lives.
Rachel Olas
When Rachel first heard about the History Day projects, she knew immediately she wanted to do something involving children. As she began to research child labor reform, her attention was quickly turned towards the Triangle Shirtwaist fire. Through newspaper articles, letters, journals, books, and first-hand accounts from women who were at the factory, Rachel was able to assemble her project. She spoke on how this fire led to the passing of The Occupational Safety and Health Act and how this fire and its results still affect us today.Â
Rachel believes we should learn about history so we can discover and see it in a new light. She thinks people should be able to put ourselves in the shoes of others so they can think about history in ways they might now have before.
Rachel loves to draw, participate in theater, and spend time outside. She also plays volleyball and basketball. In the future, Rachel plans to attend a four-year college to obtain a degree in education. She wants to help her future students achieve their dreams.
I participated in History Day because I love to learn and explore new things and ideas. I saw it as a great way to spread my wings and see what I was capable of outside of school. I also love history because it gives me a chance to see the world through other’s eyes and how far we have come.
Please join us in congratulating Molly and Rachel.
