Question 1

What Should I expect for my Interview?

Accepted Answer

Keep in mind that this is a interview - judges lead the discussion. The only category that needs to have a prepared presentation are performances. Although your total session will be 10-20 minutes (depending on your category), your interview portion with the judges will be about 5 minutes in length. You will be asked questions from 2-3 judges who are volunteers from the community.  The judges will ask you questions that allow you to showcase your knowledge of your topic and highlight your project.  They will not “quiz” you. Remember, the judges are just there to learn about your project!   Typical questions might include How did you choose your topic? How did you go about researching your topic? What were your most helpful sources? How does your topic connect with this year’s theme? How did you create your project? They may ask specific questions about your topic or what you discovered during your research. What did you learn that surprized you? What would you like to know more about? Please do not say what school you are from.

Question 2

What if I can't make my interview time?

Accepted Answer

All students must be interviewed on the day of the competition in order to qualify for awards and advancement to the state finals.  We do not allow students to be interviewed before or after the competition or to be interviewed remotely by phone or Zoom.  You MUST be present.    If you have a legitimate conflict on the scheduled date, you can request a specific time frame with in the interview window (10:00 am - 12:00 pm) for your interview and if possible we will accommodate your needs.  All requests must be made by (3/4/22) by completing this form: https://forms.gle/nAFkVhpqVyyZ7RdP8.  Note:  For group projects, at least one member of your group must be present to qualify for awards and advancement to the state finals.

Question 3

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Documentaries, Websites, Papers, Podcasts: You submitted your project before the competition. Please bring 3 copies of your Title Page, Process Paper, & Annotated Bibliography. Podcasts must also bring Show Notes. See podcast rules.   Exhibits, Performances & Posters: You should bring your project, props and costumes (if applicable). In addition, please bring 4 copies of your Process Paper/Bibliography with title page and leave these on your project when you set them up (exhibits & posters).  Performance students can hand them to judges during their interview.   Please consult the NHD-CA rulebook to see the requirements for your title page, process paper & bibliography.  https://www.nhdca.org/contest-rules

Question 4

What time should I arrive to SCHD?

Accepted Answer

If you have an exhibit or poster these must be set up the night before the competition OR by 8:45 a.m. the morning of the competition.  For all other projects, or if you are set up, then you will just need to show up in time to check in and report to your room for your scheduled interview.

Question 5

What are final rounds?

Accepted Answer

If a category has more projects than can be evaluated by one group of judges (10 or more) we divide the projects into 2 or more heats. The preliminary round judges select 2-3 projects from these heats to move on to a Final round to determine the winning entries. Check the "Schedule of Events" for a list of categories that will have a finals round.   We will post entries that move on to the final rounds in the Atrium and online around lunch time. If your project was listed as a finalist, we encourage you to attend the Awards Ceremony.

Question 6

When can I set up my Exhibit or Poster?

Accepted Answer

Ther are two options for setting up your Exhibit or Poster:   1.  Early check-in and set up will take place the Friday before competition day from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.                                          OR 2.  You can check-in from 7:00 - 8:45 am. and set up your project the morning of the competition prior to the start of interviews/judging.   Note:  Parents can help carry objects but exhibits must be set-up by students.

Question 7

When can I take down my Exhibit or Poster?

Accepted Answer

Check the contst schedule for specific times.   In general you can not take your exhibit or poster down until after all judging (including finals judging) has concluded.  We also ask that you leave it up until after the public viewing.   Any projects left after Sacramento County History Day will be discarded.

Question 8

What should I know about performances?

Accepted Answer

Students doing a Performance will need to get all props set up on stage. We recommend coming early and getting your props prepared so you are ready when it is your turn to set up.  Students are given 5 minutes to set up, 10 minutes for their performance, and 5 minutes for the interview.  Students must set up their own props.

Question 9

What types of Awards are given?

Accepted Answer

Champions We will award 3 champion medals for each Elem/Jr./Sr. Division category for Individual and group projects. Champions will advance to the NHD-CA competition that takes place in May.   Runner-Up We will award 1 Runner-Up medal for Elementary Division Posters. The Runner-Up will be invited to the NHD-CA competition only if the champion is not able to attend.   Special Awards We will recognize projects and provide special awards. Special award judges look for projects that fit the criteria of the award.   Examples of Special Awards: African American Award Medical History Award Civil War History Award Women's History Award

Question 10

Are interviews open to the public?

Accepted Answer

For the 2022 competition, interviews will not be open to the public, parents, coaches, or other spectators. Only the judges and students being interviewed will be allowed in the room.

Competition Information