FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLOVIS, NM – On Friday, April 17, 2026, five dedicated students from W.D. Gattis Middle School showcased their historical expertise at the National History Day (NHD) State competition, held at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM).
Competing against top students from across the state, the W.D. Gattis delegation included California Crockett, Gabrielle Sepulbeda, Grayson Boerio, Remington Charrier, and Antonella Macias.
State Champion Honors
The school is proud to announce that Grayson Boerio earned first place in the Individual Documentary category. His winning project, titled "How America's Reaction to 9/11 Created Reform and Revolution in our Nation's Architecture," navigated this year’s rigorous NHD theme: Reaction, Reform, and Revolution.
By securing a top-two finish, Boerio has officially qualified for the NHD National Contest, held at the University of Maryland in College Park this June.
About National History Day in New Mexico
NHD in New Mexico has a decades-long legacy of academic excellence. In 2026, the Historical Society of New Mexico took the lead as the primary affiliate for the program. The competition challenges middle and high school students to conduct extensive primary and secondary research on a historical topic of their choice.
Students compete across five distinct divisions:
Documentary
Exhibit
Website
Performance
Papers
After months of research and preparation, students present their findings to a panel of professional judges. Those who excel at the state level earn the prestigious opportunity to represent New Mexico on the national stage.
