Learning history, making history

Chief Moses student goes to national history tourney for the first time

For Chief Moses Middle School student Josselyn Green, the third time was the charm at the statewide National History Day competition.

On her third year competing at the contest, Green came in second place, qualifying for the first time for the national version of the tournament on June 12 in Washington, D.C.

Green, an eighth-grader, participated with Frontier Middle School student April Rutherford in the May state tourney at the Central Washington University campus in Ellensburg.

Rutherford did not place, but Green, speaking from experience, predicted good things for her.

"I think she will do well next year," she said. "It usually takes two years to figure things out."

The theme of the competition was "Exploring and Counter-Exchange," and Green's exhibit focused on an overall history of the Canadian fur trade.

"I wanted something new," she said of her pick. "I had not studied that part of history before."

Originally, her pick was a history of the North American fur trade, but, in Green's words, that topic was "huge." Since the theme included world history, she chose to zero in on the Canadian side of the story.

Green summarized and described the fur trade as what happened once the Europeans arrived to North America. "Their supply of beaver was gone, and they became dependent on the natives for supplies and survival," she said.

It has never been about survival when it comes to Green and her talent for history. "I like it," she said. "I like how everything is connected and nothing stands alone."

Comparing history to another subjects, it's no contest for Green. "I don't like how predictable math is," she said. "You can always dig deeper in history."

Dig deeper, she will have to, in order to hold her own against young history buffs from all over the country.

With the school year winding down, and her involvement in a number of other areas such as he school's yearbook, and the community service group known as Builders' Club, it takes plenty of effort for Green to be ready for Washington D.C.

"With schoolwork and sports on top of it, it's a lot of work," she said. However, Green is not alone on her corner, waiting for the big day to arrive.

Jennifer Dennis, the school librarian, is Green's coach, and she is helping her pupil with suggestions for her exhibit before it hits the national stage.

"We are changing a few things so the exhibit looks better (for the national competition)," Green said.

Besides Dennis, Green has had the support of her family, who accompanied her to Ellensburg.

"When my name got called, my mom stood up and my little sister started crying," she recalled. "My parents have been very supportive."

School is out on June 4, but for Green the work and the wait will not stop then. The competition is eight days later and on the other side of the country. Excited as she is, there is one thing she regrets.

"There will be no time to sleep in," she said, smiling.