Attention History Buffs: UNA to Host Scholarship Competition Feb. 25

Jan. 24, 2011

FLORENCE, Ala. – High school history enthusiasts within the region are gearing up for a University of North Alabama scholarship competition Feb. 25 funded by the Tennessee Valley Historical Society.

The 26th annual competition will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Guillot University Center banquet halls and will allow local high school students to compete for UNA scholarships after completing a comprehensive written exam.

Organizers will award three UNA scholarships at the competition: awards in the amounts of $750 and $500 to two deserving seniors and a $250 scholarship to the top junior at the event. The objective, multiple-choice exam will be based on U.S. and world history.

“Students have really enjoyed [the competition] in the past,” said Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee, associate professor of history and political science. “For many high school students, it’s the first time they have been on the UNA campus during the day, and it’s always nice when you get students together who enjoy history. It fuels that excitement.”

After the exam, participants will take part in an oral competition called “The Big Brain,” where high school students will compete against each other by answering questions about history. The overall winning individual and high school will receive plaques after the competition is finished. The nationally recognized UNA Mock Trial Team will also give a 30-45 minute simulated courtroom demonstration at the event.

Last year, 11 schools in North Alabama and Southern Tennessee and approximately 50 high school students participated in the scholarship competition. Bibbee hopes at least 60 students will come out to this year’s event.

For more information, contact the UNA Department of History and Political Science at 256-765-4306.