Students compete in National History Day showcase Published March 26, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- More than 125 students from local Department of Defense Dependent Schools gathered at Royal Air Force Lakenheath High School, England, March 25, to compete in a National History Day showcase. While the name may be misleading, NHD is actually a non-profit organization that encourages students to go above and beyond to reach their goals in academics. RAF Alconbury Middle School student Jadah Platt conducted her project research via a video conference call with Marlin Biscoe, the first African-American to start at the position of quarterback in the NFL. "It makes my project stand out from everyone else's," Platt said. "I was able to get the correct information from the source while some websites would say, 'his uncle did this,' when it was actually his cousin that did it." Encouraging students to conduct more in-depth research, the contest helps students develop research and reading skills, oral and written communication, self-esteem, confidence and a sense of responsibility. "I was inspired to learn more about people who have had a tremendous impact on society," said Kylar Cade, RAF Lakenheath High School student. It was through research for his NHD topic that Cade discovered his family ancestry relates him to former Korean King Sejong the Great. "Hopefully, people learn that Korea is actually a great place," Cade said. "Through King Sejong, Korea became a really powerful country. Many of his legacies still remain in Korea. Some of them can even be felt around the world." Students enjoyed getting hands-on with topics of their choosing. The students agreed the contest helped them understand that there is more to learning than just the day-to-day school work they are assigned. "It's learning in disguise," Platt said. "Knowing that [NHD] is a contest, it makes it more interesting; it makes kids want to learn."