BROWN COUNTY — More than 300 students from across the state gathered at Marian University on Saturday, April 18, for the 2026 National History Day in Indiana (NHDI) State Contest. Among the elite field of competitors, students from Brown County earned top honors for their deep dives into historical “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform”.
National History Day is a yearlong academic program for students in grades 4 through 12 that emphasizes primary research and critical thinking. This year’s theme challenged participants to explore the delicate balance between individual freedoms and civic duties throughout history.
Brown County Award Winners
Students from Brown County High School and Brown County Middle School distinguished themselves in the Documentary and Exhibit categories, with one student receiving the prestigious National History Day in Indiana Prize.
- Genevieve Laguna (Brown County High School): Earned 2nd Place in the Senior Individual Documentary category for her project, “The Green Feather Movement: How Robin Hood’s Merry Men Fought McCarthyism”. Laguna was also honored with the National History Day in Indiana Prize for her outstanding work.
- Lincoln Adams and River Toschlog (Brown County Middle School): Secured 3rd Place in the Junior Group Exhibit category for their presentation titled “Gus Grissom’s Final Revolutionary Act”.
A Legacy of Inquiry
Advancing to the state contest is a rigorous process that requires students to qualify through one of seven regional competitions. Projects are evaluated by volunteer judges who rank entries based on research depth, evidence analysis, and creative presentation.
“We are incredibly proud of Hoosier students who continue to raise the bar with their curiosity and thoughtfulness,” said IHS CEO Jody Blankenship. “Programs like National History Day ensure the next generation doesn’t just learn about the past, but learns how to think critically about it, connect it to their communities and carry those lessons forward”.
The NHDI program is presented by the Rooker Family Foundation with additional support from the Vigran Family Foundation. For a complete list of state winners and more information on the program, visit www.indianahistory.org/historyday.
