Westby High School sophomores have put history on display in the high school library. After almost five months of preparation, Brian Heubner's world historiography class is showcasing the history day projects in the Westby High School media center.

National History Day is a nationwide program encouraging students to produce papers, documentaries and exhibits on a subject of their own choosing focusing on research using, for the most part, primary sources. This year students linked topics to this year's theme, "Conflict and Compromise in History" interviewing the city mayor, grandparents, town board members and, in one special case, a published author. Projects were completed under the watchful eyes and guidance of both teacher, Heubner, and student teacher, Amanda Moerke.

Ashley Berg and Chelsea Begeman were two students who worked together to produce a project worthy of an “A”. Berg and Begeman’s project involved the Holocaust, a subject which held their interest since they studied the horrific event in middle school. They began their research in the school library with a book on Holocaust Survivors of Wisconsin. From there they advanced their knowledge through the Internet and continued their research at the La Crosse Public Library.

After reviewing microfiche interviews from Holocaust survivors the girls search began to locate family heirlooms which they could use to symbolize items people might have tried to save during the Holocaust.

Begeman borrowed her grandmother’s old trunk and together the girls filled it with everything from an antique lantern and doll to collectable containers and books. They prepared small exurbs from the microfiche Holocaust interviews and attached them to the items they collected for representation. Each item in the box symbolized a story about survival during the Holocaust.

According to Berg and Begeman the Holocaust showed conflict through Hitler’s hatred for people who were different and compromise came when survivors of the Holocaust moved from their homelands to a world thousands of miles away and replanted their family roots in places like Wisconsin.

Other projects displayed included information on the Vietnam War and Genoa Dairyland Power Plant issue in Vernon County.

Several awards were presented to students by their educational advisors.

Most Artistic to Emily Breuer for her Holocaust Project.

Most Creative to Chelsea Begeman and Ashley Berg for Wisconsin Holocaust Survivors.

Best Documentary to Alex Olson, April Stokes and Heather Vogel for Global Warming.

Best Local Issue to Jenna Galstad for Genoa Power Plant.

Most Controversial to Alleck Olerud, Christian Pedretti, Brett Sebion and Nick Yanske for WIAA versus WISAA.

Heubner's Choice Award to Brook Brown, Mason Ostrem, Kenny Schuttemeier and Kayla Thurk for their Kickapoo Valley Reserve Project.

Moerke's Choice Award to Evan Herold, Anthony Seelow and Mitchell Wilson for their 2007 Chaseburg Flood project.

These projects are on display in the high school media center for viewing by students, parents and the general public.