When we're not competing...

We're doing lots of other fun stuff!

   Washington History Day staff get to relax at the annual state coordinators' dinner hosted by the University of Maryland. Fresh blue crab cakes and ice cream made by the university dairy--plus a gorgeous sunset under the magnolia trees. What more could you ask for? Well, for Mark and Rachel, a glass of wine completed the experience.

National director Cathy Gorn--who visited the Washington state contest last month to celebrate our 25th anniversary--celebrated her 25th year with National History Day. Sporting a new cowboy hat with pins from all the participating states, Cathy's all smiles.

Washington staffer Mark Vessey--dubbed "our favorite superhero" by the History Day students--dispenses his hard-earned wisdom to students watching a DVD in the dorm lounge (it's the only air-conditioned space in the building): that's Dana Floberg, Brianna and Katherine Lacy (Canyon Park Junior High) and Rebecca Smith (Bothell High School) hanging on Mark's every word.

I don't know whether this link will work, but if it does you'll love it. This is our national-finalist-for-the-Farrell-Award teacher Todd Beuke diving into the fun (?) into the UM's recreational pool. Download MOV00631.mpg Don't worry--it's back to work tomorrow morning for senior judging.