ALAMOSA, CO — The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) proudly awarded $4,000 in scholarships to eight exceptional students whose projects brought local history to life during the 2025 Regional History Fair. Held at Adams State University and hosted by the ASU Department of History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science, and Spanish (HAPPSS), the Regional History Fair is the first step in the nationwide National History Day competition.

This year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” inspired students to explore meaningful stories rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the San Luis Valley. Through extensive research, creative presentation, and historical analysis, students submitted group and individual projects in five categories: documentary, paper, exhibit, performance, and website.

Projects that focused on local traditions, people, and events were eligible for SdCNHA’s annual History Fair Scholarships. Among this year’s impressive entries, eight students stood out for their outstanding work:

  • Daemin Baroz created a compelling website on The Maestas Case, one of the first school desegregation cases in the U.S., which took place in Alamosa.
  • Tavin Sowards explored environmental and personal impact through his website on the Summitville Mine Disaster, a topic close to home for his family.
  • Samuel Malouff produced a documentary on the Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU), showcasing rare archival photos and insights into this historic fraternal organization.
  • Aubrey Sowards brought history to the stage with a dramatic performance on San Luis Valley Water Rights and Responsibility, portraying multiple historical perspectives.
  • JT Salazar examined Land Grants in the San Luis Valley and the People’s Rights through a website that connected local history to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
  • Sylvia Daugherty created a powerful exhibit on Taylor vs. Lobato, detailing a landmark land rights case that still resonates with residents of Costilla County.
  • Paisley Anderson and Lucy Brittain co-wrote and performed Flowing Through the History of Water Right in the San Luis Valley, a skit that emphasized the critical role of water rights in shaping the San Luis Valley’s identity and future.

“The depth of research and the personal connections students made to our region’s history were incredibly inspiring,” said a representative from SdCNHA. “Their work honors the legacy of our heritage and highlights how young people are helping preserve it for future generations.”

The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area congratulates all the students who participated and looks forward to seeing next year’s scholars explore, preserve, and celebrate the history of the San Luis Valley.

For more information on National History Day, visit www.nhd.org.
To learn more about SdCNHA scholarships and field trip grants, visit www.sangreheritage.org.