Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2026
History marks our experiences and future—an insight that made a lasting impact on LC alumnus Chance Giddens Ed.S.’11. For over two decades, the Troup County High School history teacher has helped shape the young minds of his students, including those competing at the National History Day state competition on April 18 at LaGrange College.
“I always tell my students that the National History Day project they work on in my A.P. European History class will do two things for them: They will improve upon their research skills right before they attend college, and they get to choose what they want to study,” he said. “Having that opportunity to study something they want to do instead of something they have to do is an experience that they will always remember.”
Giddens, who was previously selected as the Georgia National History Day Teacher of the Year, said one of the most rewarding experiences he had with his students was working with National History Day last year on the Silent Heroes program, which highlighted untold stories from veterans of the Korean War.
“When the family members of one of our Silent Heroes were able to make it to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery to hear the eulogy written for their mother, it made it even more special,” he said.
This year’s state competition, cosponsored by Georgia Humanities and LaGrange College, will have 512 students, 292 entries and 96 teachers representing 71 schools across Georgia. The theme for 2026 is “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
“National History Day provides an incredibly enriching experience for students in middle and high school to gain communication and historical thinking skills. Through their research, NHD empowers students to become experts on the topics they are passionate about,” said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “We are so grateful for all that Georgia Humanities and LaGrange College do to support history education and the next generation of historians, community-minded leaders and engaged citizens in Georgia.”
LC junior Sarena Hall, a volunteer judge for National History Day, said she likes to see the different perspectives the competitors bring to their research projects.
“When I'm judging, I get to learn about a myriad of interesting topics from students who want to talk about their work,” she said. “I've enjoyed being able to see the hard work of the participants and to recognize those students who put forth a stellar effort. Making those big picture connections from various eras of history is a wonderful skill to have, and a crucial part of the discipline of history.”
In April 2025, National History Day suffered a setback after the federal government cut funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities, a provider of grants for Georgia Humanities, a longtime sponsor of NHD and LC’s partner for nearly two decades.
Despite the challenges, History Professor Dr. Kevin Shirley, co-affiliate coordinator of the Georgia competition, said National History Day is here to stay.
“National History Day, as a pedagogical tool, will always have a place. It can and does change lives,” he said.
Those interested in being a volunteer judge can register on the NHD website.
Political Science alumni and awards
Thursday, April 9
7 p.m., Corn Auditorium, Lewis Library
Cheerleading
Diamond Clemmer announced this week as the new Head Coach for the LC Cheerleading program. She brings a strong background in athlete development, competitive cheer and leadership, with experience across all-star, middle school and program-building environments. “We are excited for Coach Clemmer to embark on a new chapter for the Cheer program at LaGrange College,” Vice President of Athletics Matthew Hayes said of the hire.
Baseball
LC swept its doubleheader at Covenant College on Saturday, March 28, in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, winning 21-7 in game one before pulling away with a 14-9 victory in game two. The Panthers exploded for 21 runs in game one, their highest offensive total of the season. The team will travel on April 10 to compete at Belhaven University (Jackson, Mississippi).
Men’s Lacrosse
The Panthers won their first game of the season on Saturday, March 28, at Callaway Stadium with a resounding 23-1 victory over Brevard College (Brevard, North Carolina). Senior Nicholas Murciano posted seven goals with four assists to lead the way while junior Candler Woods finished with five goals and four assists. Senior Tyler Abrams dished out eight assists with three goals. It is the first career victory for first-year LaGrange head coach Carter Brand. The team will host Pfeiffer University (Misenheimer, North Carolina) on Saturday, April 4, at 1 p.m.
Softball
LC dominated its doubleheader against Agnes Scott College on Saturday, March 28, in Decatur, Georgia. The game-winner came off the bat of senior Claire Chamberlain as she laid down a 2 RBI single to give the Panthers the 4-2 win and the doubleheader sweep. The team will compete at home against Wesleyan College (Macon, Georgia) on April 11.
Beach Volleyball
The Panthers came out on top in their doubleheader at home against Wesleyan College on Saturday, March 28. The team will be back in action on Saturday, April 11, when they host Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama) in a 1 p.m. double-header.
Track & Field
The Panthers are coming off one of their best performances of their inaugural season at the Emory Thrills in the Hills competition in Atlanta, setting several school records and setting marks atop the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) rankings. LC will travel this weekend to the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Freshman Ryheem Mighten was named CCS Track Athlete of the Week. He delivered a strong all-around sprint performance at the Emory Thrills in the Hills meet in Atlanta this past weekend, competing across three events. The freshman highlighted his weekend with a first-place finish in the 100 meters, clocking an 11.02 in a field of 57 competitors. He added a seventh-place finish in the 200 meters (21.70) and placed sixth in the 400 meters with a time of 47.90. His 400 meters mark currently ranks first in the CCS this season. This is Mighten’s second conference honor after previously being recognized as the CCS Track Rookie of the Week.
Freshman Khristian Bell was named CCS Field Rookie of the Week. At last weekend’s Emory Thrills in the Hills meet, she placed third in the long jump with a mark of 5.43 meters and added a 13th-place finish in the triple jump (10.85 meters), with both marks setting new school records and landing her a first-place spot in CCS rankings this season.
Men’s & Women’s Tennis
Both the men and women were victorious in their home matches against Central Alabama Community College (Alexander City, Alabama) on Monday, March 30. The teams will travel to Covenant College (Lookout Mountain, Georgia) on Friday, April 3, for an 11 a.m. match.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Friday, April 3 – Track at Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic, Daytona Beach, Florida
Friday, April 3 – Men’s Tennis at Covenant College, 11 a.m., Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Friday, April 3 – Women’s Tennis at Covenant College, 11 a.m., Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Saturday, April 4 – Track at Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic, Daytona Beach, Florida
Saturday, April 4 – Lacrosse (Home) vs. Pfeiffer University (Misenheimer, North Carolina), 1 p.m., Callaway Stadium
Monday, April 6 – Men’s Golf at RTJ Capital Classic, Prattville, Alabama
Tuesday, April 7 – Men’s Golf at RTJ Capital Classic, Prattville, Alabama
Tuesday, April 7 – Men’s Tennis at Piedmont University, 10:30 a.m., Demorest, Georgia
Tuesday, April 7 – Women’s Tennis at Piedmont University, 10:30 a.m., Demorest, Georgia
Wednesday, April 8 – Lacrosse at Huntingdon College, 6 p.m., Montgomery, Alabama
LaGrange College to add aviation and human resources programs to bachelor’s degree roster, WRBL, March 30
Category: Academics, Community, College
Keywords: History, Education
