DULUTH — East High School students who qualified for the National History Day Contest showed off their projects Wednesday afternoon as part of a fundraiser for their upcoming trip to the competition.

Every year, an estimated half-million students participate in History Day, a nationwide competition centered on the gathering and presentation of historical research. Only about 3,000 of the students make it to the national contest, hosted just outside Washington, D.C., at the University of Maryland. Four students from East will make the trip to College Park, Maryland, after earning top honors at the

Minnesota State History Day Contest. 

“These students, they’ve prepared throughout the year with their projects,” said Catherine Nachbar, an East history teacher and adviser for the school’s History Day club. “It’s fantastic work that they’ve done. … Some of them have very emotional connections — through family members or their own experiences — to their projects this year, and that’s just been a very cool thing to see.”

Each year, participating students are given a theme to build their projects around. This year’s focus is on “Rights & Responsibilities” throughout history.

There are five categories: papers, performances, exhibits, documentaries and websites. During the contest, students are divided into junior sections for middle schoolers and a senior group for high school students. Excluding the research paper category, students also have the option to compete in group or individual categories.

Over 19,000 students began working on a history project this year across Minnesota, said Nachbar, though not all went on to the competition. Twelve East students entered the regional contest this year, and 10 moved on to state, hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center on April 27. There, two individual projects and one group project from East qualified for the national contest June 8-12.

At each stage of the competition, students go through several rounds of judging and an interview. Using a rubric, judges look at alignment with that year’s theme, evaluate students’ understanding of their topic, and consider project presentation and student research. Only the top two projects at the state competition advance to nationals. This year, over 1,000 students competed in Minnesota’s state History Day competition. Across all categories and sections this year, 59 students from Minnesota qualified for the national competition.

“It’s a big deal on your resume,” said Nachbar. “It’s like a less than 1% chance to make it to nationals, when you look at the numbers. Just to go and compete is amazing, but for those students who go and place at the national level, it’s really something else.”

Margaret Johnson, a junior, placed second at nationals last year with a webpage she designed on the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. This year, she’ll be returning to College Park, Maryland, after taking first place at state, once again competing in the individual web page category.

Contributed / Duluth East High School

Johnson’s project this year focused on the history of mining and logging in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with a detailed look at the impact of the Boundary Waters Wilderness Act of 1978.

“Prior to that act, there was a lot of pollution from logging and mining industries,” said Johnson. “But then the passage of that act banned mining and logging and other destructive things in the wilderness, and that made it a lot healthier and improved the lake water quality so that people, then, and today, and for future generations, would be able to hike and canoe in the wilderness without worrying about activities that would degrade the water quality and environment.”

Part of what students are judged on, Johnson explained, is their ability to demonstrate the short- and long-term effects of their research topics. Her project ties the 1978 legislation to current disputes around mining and logging near the Boundary Waters — something Johnson, an avid camper, is passionate about.

“I’ve really loved working on this, being involved in History Day has been such a great experience for me,” she said. “It’s helped me so much with research skills and writing and just talking to people. There’s so many connections that I’ve made because of History Day, and I’ll just forever be grateful for all the people that I’ve met. I had a great time in D.C. last year and I’m so excited to be going back.”

Johnson will be joined at nationals by sophomore Lyla Ronkainen and fellow juniors Analise George and Anja Erickson. Ronkainen took first place at state in the senior research paper category for her analysis of Wisconsin v. Yoder, a 1971 Supreme Court case that ruled in favor of religious exemptions to Wisconsin’s mandatory school attendance laws.

Contributed / Duluth East High School

George and Erickson also took first place in the group documentary category, with their film focused on mental health patients’ rights and the changes in how patients have been treated throughout history. Centered on President John F. Kennedy’s Community Mental Health Act of 1963, their documentary walks through the defunding of mental health programming under Ronald Reagan in the 1980s and the current ramifications those legislative repeals have for mental health patients.

Part of the motivation for their project came from the experiences of George’s great-grandmother, Erickson said, who was institutionalized in Minnesota.

“During that time, things like electric shock therapy were still used. It could all be pretty traumatic,” Erickson said. “We wanted to make sure that her voice could be heard, and that’s when we chose this format, versus something like a paper where it wouldn’t necessarily be her words and story as much.”

Contributed / Duluth East High School

A newcomer to History Day, Erickson didn’t have much experience with putting together a documentary, and neither did George. The project came with a pretty steep learning curve for both girls, said Erickson, but it’s also been really rewarding.

“It’s made me think more deeply about the way that we treat mental illness today in America,” said Erickson. “It’s not really something that has presented itself to me before, so I’ve never really taken the time to learn about it. And I think that’s one of the really cool things about History Day, is that you’re kind of forced to educate yourself more on something that maybe you wouldn’t have thought about before.”

All three projects were on display during the fundraiser at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, with visitors able to stop in and check out History Day presentations and view the regular exhibits. It’s the third year the museum has hosted the fundraiser, with help from museum director Matt Sjelin, a former student of Nachbar’s.

“The mission of Karpeles is to inspire creativity and encourage learning, and so helping out with this is just such a good fit,” said Sjelin. “It’s a wonderful space, and it gives students the opportunity to show off the work they’ve been doing. It’s a great thing to be able to do for the community, and for Mrs. Nachbar.”

The National History Day contest is in its 51st year, but it’s possible the longstanding program could be going through some changes in the near future, due to recent funding cuts.

In early April, the Trump administration terminated a record number of grants from the

National Endowment for the Humanities.

Included in the canceled grants was $336,000 worth of funding to the

National History Day

program.

“The messaging that we’ve received from National History Day is that it is a substantial loss, and they are doing crowdfunding to gain back some of those funds,” said Sammi Jo Papas, head of National History Day in Minnesota. “The national contest this year will happen as planned … but beyond that, we have not received an update about what other funding opportunities they’re looking at.”

In some states, History Day is supported by funding from the NEH, but in Minnesota, the program is sponsored by the state historical society. The program operates on state support, donations and endowments for education, putting it in a relatively safe position after the recent cuts.

For the nationwide program and states that rely on state funding, Papas said there is likely going to be a discussion on how best to proceed during the board meeting that coincides with the national contest.

“Some of our other affiliates that also receive funding from NEH are also kind of looking to get through the national contest and then figuring out what things look like from there,” said Papas.

“We’re very fortunate. We have a solid level of support statewide, and a lot of that comes from our community and our teachers. It’s through their dedication that we’re able to have a successful program the way we do here.”

“Everything happens for a reason” is what United States National Team member Ashlee Sullivan would tell herself at the beginning of her college recruitment journey. “I truly think what’s meant for you will come and just staying true to yourself and true to what you’re wanting,” Sullivan said. “I think everything happens for a reason, and where you’re meant to be will happen. I should even tell eight-year-old Ashlee that. I feel like it’s something that you learn later in life.”

In early May, Sullivan announced her commitment to UCLA after previously being committed to the University of Michigan. Sullivan will become a Bruin this fall, joining an already stacked freshman class, which includes fellow U.S. National Team members Nola Matthews and Tiana Sumanasekera. UCLA head coach Janelle McDonald is excited by Sullivan’s addition. 

“We are excited to welcome Ashlee to Westwood,” said McDonald in a press release. “She has a world class skill set with dynamic, beautiful and exciting gymnastics that she is bringing to the team. Ashlee is an incredibly determined, hard worker who brings positive energy and passion into all she does. That enthusiasm and work ethic will fit right into the team culture we have built and the goals we have. I see Ashlee making an immediate all-around impact for us this coming season, and I am so excited for her to join our Bruin Family this fall.”

Sullivan matches the excitement that McDonald possesses. The legacy of UCLA gymnastics, the Olympics taking place there in 2028 and her future teammates attracted Sullivan to UCLA. 

“The environment that they’ve been able to cultivate, I truly think it’s something special, and something that I feel like I can make my mark on and add to the culture and to the team,” Sullivan said. “I’m just so grateful for this opportunity. Who gets to say that they’ve had some of these universities reaching out to you and being able to choose where you think is best at your own free will. I think it’s definitely a very big moment in my life, and I’m embracing everything that’s going to come along with it.”

While the staff and location are all major perks of competing at UCLA, the group of athletes Sullivan will enter UCLA with thrills her the most.

 “I could not express to you how much love I have for each and every one of them,” Sullivan said. “I’ve known them for quite a bit of time, and they’re just such amazing people that can build something, and not to mention, their gymnastics is phenomenal. So I’m very excited to go be a part of them, not only in the gym, but in the classroom and in the dorms.” 

During Sullivan’s Sophomore year, she will be joined by her fellow Metroplex teammates Zoey Molomo and Michelle Pineda. Knowing that some of her current best friends will soon join her takes some of the sadness out of leaving Metroplex. 

“Oh my gosh, I keep telling her [Molomo], like, you can’t get rid of me, I’m just so excited for her,” Sullivan said. “It’s a confidence booster, kind of knowing the girls that Janelle is recruiting and the staff is recruiting are such great powerhouses in gymnastics, but also have that team culture that we’re looking for to help cultivate. Whenever I was crying at my senior stuff, being like, ‘Oh, I’m going away,’ they’re like, ‘not for long, we’re gonna join you.”

STANDISH, Maine – Looking to sharpen your skills, explore a college campus, and enjoy summer on the shores of Sebago Lake? Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is excited to announce a full slate of 2025 Summer Sports Camps designed for athletes of all levels and interests. From youth development clinics to elite prospect experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Check out the full lineup below and register today!

Monks Baseball Prospect Camp

Date: Sunday, August 24th, 2025

Ages: 15 – 19

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cost: $125

Register: Click here

The Saint Joseph’s College Baseball Instructional Prospect Camps are open to any high school player aged 15-19, who is focused on playing baseball at the next level. The clinics are staffed by Head Coach Will Sanborn, his assistant coaches, alumni and players. Players will experience instruction in a format very similar to a college practice session. The clinics will include instruction in hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and pitching.

Monks Men’s Soccer Prospect Camp

Date: Sunday, August 2nd, 2025

Ages: 15 – 18, Boys

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM

Cost: $75

Register: Click here

Monks Soccer Camps will host a Prospect Camp on Sunday, August 2nd, from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM for prospective high school students at its campus on Sebago Lake in southern Maine. The event offers prospective students a chance to tour the Standish campus, attend information sessions on the application process and financial aid, enjoy lunch and have the opportunity to learn more about one of the more than 40 majors and programs offered.

The camp is staffed by Head Coach Will Pike, his assistant coaches, alumni and players. Players will experience instruction in a format very similar to a college practice session – allowing them to experience a practice structured at a higher level. The camp will include instruction in warm-up, possession, and an inner squad scrimmage.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Track & Field Camp

Dates: July 8th – 11th, 2025

Ages: 13 – 18 (rising 9th – 12th graders)

Commuter Cost: $300

Residential Cost: $470

Register: Click here

Join us at one of the nicest Track and Field Facilities in New England where Camp Athletes will learn about Power, Strength, Technique, and Endurance through discussion, demonstration, and practice. The week  will be filled with opportunities to explore and focus on various track and field events – including sprints, distance, hurdles, jumps, and throws – of their choice.

We recommend that each participant choose at least 2 or 3 different events.

Youth Summer Field Hockey Clinic

Dates: Tuesdays – June 17, 24 & July 1, 8, 15, 22

Grades: K – 8

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Cost: $60

Register: Click here

Join the SJC coaching staff, on their home turf, to learn skills, concepts, and have fun playing field hockey. The clinic is open to players of any level.

Saint Joseph’s Women’s Lacrosse Summer Clinic

Date: Friday, July 25th, 2025

Grades: 9 – 12

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Tour: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM)

Cost: $30

Register: Click here

The Saint Joseph’s College Lacrosse Prospect Camps are open to any high school player, who is focused on playing lacrosse at the next level or looking to improve their skills!  The Clinic will include small sided drills and live scrimmage play. This is also a great opportunity to visit our beautiful college campus and meet the Saint Joseph’s women’s lacrosse coaching staff . An optional campus tour will also be provided following our clinic. You could also choose to jump in the Sebago Lake at our waterfront access on campus to cool off!

This clinic features high-intensity, small-sided drills and live scrimmage play to sharpen your game and showcase your talent.

There will also be a chance to explore our beautiful lakeside campus, connect with our coaching staff, and play lacrosse!  After the clinic, you may take an optional guided campus tour — or cool off with a refreshing dip in Sebago Lake, just steps away from our athletic facilities.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to grow your game and discover what makes Saint Joseph’s College a special place to play lacrosse and learn!

Volleyball Elite College Prospect Clinic

Date: Sunday, July 20th, 2025

Grades: 9 – 12, Girls

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cost: $75

Register: Click here

This Elite Level Prospect Camp is intended for strong players in high school who are focused on playing college volleyball at a competitive level.  This is not a good fit for beginners. 

Spend the day with Head Coach Jon Roberts, Assistant Coaches Tori Huntley & Jamie Jannarone (current SJC volleyball players may be available TBD).  Experience a FUN, supportive, and competitive training environment on the beautiful campus of Saint Joseph’s College, located right on the shore of Sebago Lake.

Players will experience instruction in the same format as a college training session. The camp will include technical drills, small sided games, and fun competitive play. 

Also enjoy lunch, a Question & Answer session, optional campus tour, time at the lake for a swim, and the opportunity to speak to our coaches about your college goals.

Monks Youth Sports Camp

Dates: Monday, July 21st – Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Ages: 6 – 13

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Alfond Center, Saint Joseph’s College

Cost: $285 (Add-ons: Early Drop-Off $25, Late Pick-Up $25, Both $40)

Register: Click here

The Monks Sports Camp will be conducted on the beautiful campus of Saint Joseph’s College. The Monks Sports Camp is designed to provide children with the opportunity to experience a wide range of sports.  Through games, competitions, and challenges geared to the individual ability levels, campers learn skills for multiple sports, gain self-confidence and acquire a love of sports to match their talents and interests. Counselors are selected with extreme care.  They reflect outstanding teaching ability and the desire to help develop campers into good citizens.

Don’t miss your chance to train, compete, and explore with the Monks this summer! Spots are limited—secure yours today!

University of Florida transfer guard Xaivian Lee is reportedly set to pocket some significant name, image and likeness earnings during the 2025-26 college basketball season.

According to On3.com’s Pete Nakos, Lee is expected to make north of $6 million between his NIL earnings at Florida and his deal with international shoe company Serious Player Only.

Lee entered the transfer portal and committed to Florida last month after starring for three seasons at Princeton.

Per Nakos, Lee’s multiyear contract with Serious Player Only is more lucrative than his NIL deal with Florida, and it could lead to him securing his own signature shoe if and when he makes it to the NBA.

Nakos also noted that Lee is the first NCAA NIL athlete to have a shoe deal with an international company.

Lee, 21, was born and raised in Toronto before moving to the United States to attend high school in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania.

After arriving at Princeton, Lee played a limited role during his freshman season, averaging 4.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, but he broke out during his sophomore campaign in 2023-24.

Starting all 29 games he appeared in, Lee averaged 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.8 three-pointers and one steal per contest while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Lee was named to the All-Ivy League first team as a result, and he repeated the feat last season when he averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.0 three-pointers and 1.2 steals.

Although Princeton missed the NCAA tournament each of the past two seasons, all signs point toward Lee playing meaningful games in March next season.

The Gators are fresh off a magical 2024-25 season that saw them go 36-4 and win their third national championship in program history.

Florida lost several key players, including Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard, but Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh and Rueben Chinyelu are returning, plus Lee is joining the program along with fellow transfer Boogie Fland and highly touted recruit CJ Ingram.

Because of that, the Gators are legitimate threats to win back-to-back national titles, and Lee will almost certainly be a huge part of the equation if that happens.

**Release courtesy of UW-Eau Claire Sports Information

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Head Women’s Hockey Coach Erik Strand announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his position to accept a role at the University of Vermont.

Strand will be an assistant coach for the Catamounts’ women’s hockey team, an NCAA Division I program.

Strand coached the Blugold women for 10 seasons, compiling a 183-68-17 record. Previously, he had been an assistant coach for the UW-Eau Claire men’s hockey team for eight years.

“After 18 unforgettable years coaching hockey at UW–Eau Claire — eight as the men’s assistant coach, 10 as head coach of the women’s program — it’s time for a new chapter,” Strand said. “Coaching here has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The wins are special — but it’s the people, the memories, and this incredible community that truly made it priceless. My family and I are forever grateful for the journey, the relationships, and the chance to have been a part of the Blugold family.”

Over the last 10 years, the Blugold women won a WIAC regular season championship in 2020 along with O’Brien Cup championships in 2018 and 2019. They played in four NCAA Tournaments in that stretch and had six players earn All-America honors along with three WIAC Player of the Year honors. Multiple alumni have gone on to play hockey professionally.

The Blugolds will begin a national search to find their next head coach immediately. The next leader of the team will be the third head coach in program history.

“We wish Erik well and appreciate his contributions to UWEC Athletics,” UW-Eau Claire Director of Athletics Jason Verdugo said. “I’m excited to welcome the next leader of our hockey program — someone deeply committed to student-athlete development, ready to build upon our strong foundation and driven to elevate our program.”

# # # # #

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Illinois men’s track and field team finished their first day of the NCAA West Preliminaries on Wednesday (May 28) from E.B. Cushing Stadium at Texas A&M. Pole vaulter Cody Johnston punched his ticket to the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a clearance of 5.42m (17-9 1/4) on his third and final attempt.

5.42m wasn’t the only bar that Johnston needed his final attempt to clear, after passing on 5.02m (16-5 1/2) he cleared all his remaining bars on his final attempt: 5.17m (16-11 1/2), 5.32m (17-5 1/2) and finally 5.42m (17-9 1/4).

With those six fouls he absolutely needed to clear 5.42m to place inside the qualifying top 12 or else he would’ve placed 13th and missed based on the tie breaker of least fouls. This is the second-consecutive season he’s punched his ticket to the NCAA Outdoor Championships. He’s already a two-time All-American when he took fifth last year outdoors and earlier this season he placed eighth indoors.

NATIONAL QUALIFIERS

UP NEXT

The women’s track and field team begin their first day of competition tomorrow (May 29) with field events starting at 10 a.m. and track events 6 p.m. CT.

NOTES