Fort Scott High School student places at National History Day

Fort Scott High School junior-to-be Mady McColm captured 11th place in the country during National History Day, June 10-14 at the University of Maryland in College Park.

McColm portrayed activist Florence Kelley in the Senior Individual Performance portion of the event. Her presentation was titled "Fearless Reformer: Free the Children." In the late 1800s, Kelley sparked a social and political revolution that informed America of the need for children's rights. Megan Felt, program director of the Lowell Milken Center, was her coach.

"The fact that I had already been there helped," McColm said, adding support from Felt, Lowell Milken Center Director Norm Conard and teacher Karen Schellack also aided in her success. "They taught me how to do my project and present it in a way that people would enjoy."

Very nervous at first, McColm gained confidence, because "I knew my project; I knew my script, so by the time I got up there, it was easy."

McColm, who has participated in National History Day since seventh grade, plans to take part again next year. She thinks she will go for an individual project again.

"I really like portraying a character," she said, because that's the best way to understand what makes a historical figure tick.