NOTEWORTHY
Natalia Lopez
Natalia Lopez looks to her family’s heritage for inspiration when choosing topics for her documentaries. She has represented Utah at NHD’s national contest three times. As a sophomore at Green Canyon High School, she was selected for the NHD Digital Documentary Showcase at the National Museum of African American History. She also presented on NHD to the Utah State Board of Education.
Documentary Projects
The Triumph and Tragedy of the East Los Angeles Walkouts
Mendez v. Westminster: Breaking Barriers
Press
Jacob Simmons
Jacob Simmons graduated from Brighton High School in 2020. During his junior year he was selected as an NHD Normandy Scholar. Working with teacher Eden Ellingson, he completed an intensive course of study on WWII and travelled to France to study the Allied Invasion. At the Normandy American Cemetery, he delivered a eulogy for Utah’s Silent Hero Second Lieutenant John K. Lundberg. During middle and high school, Jacob created four NHD documentaries, taking each to the NHD national contest.
Documentary Projects
St. Eustatius: The Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange That Won the Revolution
Rabin of Israel: A Story of War and Peace
Louis D. Brandeis: Standing for the People
Fritz Haber: Feeding the World and Warfare
Press
Madeline Christianson
Madeline Christianson was a sophomore at Lakeridge Junior High School when she created her award-winning Ghost Army exhibit, exploring the history of her great-grandfather’s clandestine World War II unit. She became an active lobbyist on behalf of Ghost Army veterans, traveling to Washington DC several times to urge Congressional support for formal recognition of their service. A four-year NHD competitor, she is known for her tireless research and intricate exhibits.
Exhibit Titles
Daughters of Liberty...Freedom Begins at Home
Prohibition: The Conflict of No Compromise
Marie-Madeleine Fourcade: Breaking Gender Barriers, From Socialite to Savior
Press