“I was so honored to be one of those 64 in the seventh grade
division,” Paul notes. “My favorite thing about being involved in
the competition was getting to meet other kids from around the
country who love history, too.”
Because there were approximately 1,000 students
participating in all the divisions, everyone stayed in one of three
hotels in the center of Atlanta. Paul traveled by plane with his
two biggest fans—his mother and father: “We are so proud of
Paul for qualifying for the National History Bee. His quest for
historical knowledge astounds us. To be able to compete in
buzzer rounds and succeed with other children who are buzzing
in way before a question is over, all while keeping his composure,
is really something to see. There is no one we know who knows
and loves history more than Paul!”
Competition weekend was so busy between the History Bee
and two subject exams about Military History and Geography,
that Paul and his parents barely had time to sightsee. However,
they were able to go to his favorite aquarium—The Georgia
Aquarium—and see the Whalesharks. Paul was also able to go to
the Polaris, a rotating restaurant on top of the Hyatt Hotel, and
enjoyed some incredible views of the city including the Bank of
America Building and the newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium,
where the Falcons will play this year.
“One of the hardest questions asked was about Clement
Vallandigham, an Ohio politician and leader of the Copperhead
Faction during the American Civil War,” he recalls. The young
history buff is already starting to brush up on his facts in hopes
of qualifying again for next year’s National History Bee.
ry bee
For more information, visit aceqb.com/historybee.
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