In November, students at Victor Middle and High School eagerly embarked on an exciting academic journey: National History Day. This nationwide competition challenges students to explore historical topics through rigorous research and critical analysis, culminating in creative projects presented as exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, or research papers.
This year marked Victor School District’s debut in the competition. The 2025 theme, “Rights and Responsibilities,” inspired a diverse array of thought-provoking projects. Topics ranged from Wyatt Earp and the nuclear bomb to Juneteenth, the Vietnam War, the Geneva Convention, child labor reform, Montana’s Native American boarding schools, and the forced removal of the Salish people from the Bitterroot Valley.
The National History Day State competition was held at Montana State University on April 12. Victor students Sophia Walker, Kloe Svoboda, Maddison Hill, Brynn Berk, and Kaylee Stratton all competed at the state competition representing Victor.
Kloe Svoboda was named a state finalist and will be advancing to the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland. Kloe’s documentary, “Doctors of Death,” explores the horrific treatment of prisoners at the hands of Nazi doctors during WWII. Kloe has dedicated countless hours to refining her project, incorporating primary and secondary sources to strengthen her narrative.
Victor student Kloe Svoboda was named a state finalist and will be advancing to the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland. She’s shown here with her family at Regionals.
Currently, Kloe, her family, and the Victor School District are fundraising for the trip. A GoFundMe has been established by her family and the school will host a Trivia Night on May 14th at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Any assistance is greatly appreciated to defer the costs of this trip. Kloe will have the opportunity to explore the Library of Congress and other historical landmarks of Washington DC on her trip. If you have any questions or would like to make a contribution to Kloe’s National History Trip, contact Michelle Meyer at meyer@victor.k12.mt.us or Kloe’s Svoboda’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/785890ad