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| NPS Photo, Dan Johnson |
| Winners of the 2007 High School Local History Smackdown answer a question. |
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Date: March 5, 2008
Contact: Brian Hoduski, (906) 337-1207, ext. 251
Last year, Ontonagon teams took first and second place in the High School Local History Smackdown: can you claim victory this year?
The Rum Runners wowed the crowd at the Calumet Theatre with their comprehensive knowledge of the area’s local history and geography. Equally impressive were their counterparts, the Firesteel Phantoms, who snuck past Jeffers High School's Favorites to take second place. Now, Keweenaw National Historical Park is seeking high school teams from the four-county area to challenge Ontonagon for the Smackdown trophy on April 24, 2008. High-school age contestants are also welcome to form their own teams independent of school sponsorship; church groups, scouting groups or other youth groups are welcome to participate. The registration deadline is March 26, 2008, so assemble a team and start planning where to display the Smackdown trophy!
This competition offers teams of local-area high school students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of the history, geography, and geology of Keweenaw, Baraga, Ontonagon, and Houghton counties. Its format is similar to a spelling bee: teams of four players are asked short-answer questions about local history topics, which increase in difficulty as the rounds go higher. The contest features a double-elimination format: two wrong answers and teams are out of play; teams are given the right to pass on one question. Preparation can be formal or informal, but those that invest time in advance preparation may proceed farther in the competition. However, those who simply want to be a part of a fun night of local history are still encouraged to participate.
The event will take place at the Calumet Theatre in Calumet at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. It is part of the "Fourth Thursday in History" series sponsored by Keweenaw National Historical Park. For further information and to register teams visit the park’s smackdown webpages. You can also contact Brian Hoduski at (906) 337-1207 ext. 251, or by email.
