BERLIN -- Stephen Decatur Middle School teacher Leah Olsen last week was recognized as the History Day Teacher of the Year for Worcester County by the Maryland Humanities Council.

Over 600 talented middle and high school students, along with their proud parents and teachers, converged on the campus of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County last Saturday for the annual awards. A program of the Maryland Humanities Council, Maryland History Day involved over 18,000 students representing 17 counties and Baltimore City. Olsen was recognized as the winner for the Worcester County public school system.

Students spent months researching topics that addressed the National History Day theme and participated in school and community competitions to qualify for the state contest. Students showcased their research in one of five formats- research papers, museum-type exhibits, performances, websites and multimedia documentaries- addressing the 2012 them “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History.”

First- and second-place winners will represent Maryland at the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day contest on June 10-14 at the University of Maryland-College Park.