CHARLESTON — Numerous students from Cabell, Mason and Putnam counties brought home awards from the nation’s only statewide social studies fair, held Friday, May 8, in Charleston.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education, the social studies fair brings students from fourth through 12th grade to compete in categories ranging from anthropology and economics to sociology and world history. Projects were submitted by individuals, pairs and classes.

“Social studies play an increasingly important role in today’s global economy where students are not only competing with students in other states but those in other countries,” said state Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine. “Events like this are more important than ever in helping prepare students to live in a diverse and ever changing society.”

West Virginia’s Social Studies Fair moved into the 21st century with the addition of technology. Students are now encouraged to use DVD players, laptops, cell phones, hand-held gaming devices, MP3 players, digital photo frames or other technology to enhance their presentations to the judges.

Older students also were invited to bring their entire project on a CD-ROM, DVD or thumb drive with no traditional display board required. The WVDE provided laptops for these students to present their projects to the judges.

Students who competed at the state Social Studies Fair first won regional events in their respective division, category and project type. Projects are judged on oral presentation; theme and research; display; and abstract.

The Social Studies Fair is designed to recognize and reward outstanding achievements of social studies students and encourage students to practice 21st century skills, including information and communication skills; critical thinking and problem solving; and interpersonal and self-directional skills.

Cabell County, second-place winners

Division I, anthropology, small group: “Yummy or Yucky” by Brianna McCoy and Hunter Whittington

Division I, sociology, individual: “Are Stores Really Wheelchair Friendly?” by Haley Baker

Division II, U.S. History, individual: “2 B Frank: A Comparison of the Architectural Geniuses of Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry” by Corey Adkins

Cabell County, third-place winners

Division I, U.S. History, individual: “Pearl Harbor to 9/11” by Dylan Phifer

Division II, political science, individual: “Is Fear Stronger than Justice?” by Olivia Casto

Division III, sociology, individual: “My Space - A Place for Opportunity” by Kelsea Whaley

Cabell County, honorable mention

Division II, political science, small group: “The Historical Perspective on Disability and Compensation Law” by Aeesha Ranavaya and Iqbal Ranavaya

Division II, world history, small group: “Battle of Stalingrad: Why was it Important?” by Noah Legrand, Matt Shaver, Kyle Grimes and Franklin Norton

Division III, economics, individual: “As Gas Prices Rise, America Prays” by McKinley Conrad

Putnam County, first-place winners

Division II, psychology, individual: “The Psychology of Collecting” by Oak Welch

Division II, U.S. History, small group: “How Rock and Roll Began - Elvis” by Kirstyn Bess and Chantil Foster

Division III, anthropology, individual: “So You Think You Can Dance?” by Danielle Gallagher

Putnam County, second-place winners

Division II, geography, small group: “The Truth About China” by Emily Anders and Shakthi Roman

Division II, state and local studies, small group: “Covered Bridges of West Virginia” by Hannah Gerencir and Angelika Simms

Putnam County, third-place winners

Division II, economics, small group: “What Happened to Drive-In Movies?” by Haley Black and Gracyn Courtright

Division III, geography, small group: “Antarctica” by Derick Miller and Patrick Cremeans

Putnam County, honorable mention

Division II, sociology, small group: “The History of Baseball Cards” by Andrew Campbell and Jordan Clark

Division II, world history, individual:”Military Snipers” by Kyle McClanahan

Division III, sociology, small group: “Drum Corps International - A History of Champions” by Amanda Young and Matthew Pack

Mason County, first-place winners

Division I, economics, small group: “Beanie Baby Bubble” by Katherine Deem and Macy Adkins

Division I, political science, small group: “Afghanistan Women’s Rights” by Jozie Frye and Makinley Higginbotham

Division II, economics, individual: “Coal Liquification” by Noah Morgan

Division II, geography, individual: “Creating a Geocache” by Samantha Young

Division III, sociology, small group: “WWII and Effects on Women” by Tessa Tarker and Katie Wilson

Mason County, second-place winners

Division I, economics, individual: “Medal of Honor Bridge” by Ricky Kearns

Division III, economics, small group: “Relay for Life: Where Does it Go?” by Lauren Lanier and Lori Wooten

Division III, geography, small group: “The Grand Canyon” by Rusty Maness and Preston Rairden

Division III, political science, small group: “Is Eminent Domain Being Abused” by Drew Fogelson and Brook Fisher

Division III, state and local studies, individual: “AEP River Operations” by Liz Farley

Division III, state and local studies, small group: “The Men Who Bleed Green” by Gabriel Starcher and Justin Cavendar

Division III, world history, small group: “Myths and Legends of Constellations” by Josie Weethee and Breanna Smith

Mason County, third-place winners

Division I, geography, small group: “Drive or Jump” by Scotty Wilcox and Jessica McCoy

Mason County, honorable mention

Division I, world history, individual: “Peace Signs” by Madison Hesson

Division III, anthropology, individual: “Kosher Food” by Rachel Carr

 

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