T
he West Virginia State Social Studies Fair brought more than 560 students to the Kanawha Valley on Tuesday, April 28, marking the largest participation since the event began in 1977, according to state education officials.
State officials reported that 566 students in grades 3-12 represented 44 counties and presented 357 projects at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
Students explored topics across world history, U.S. history, anthropology, geography, economics, sociology, psychology and state and local studies. In recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial (America 250), 32 projects focused on the lasting impact of U.S. founding principles.
Officials divided the competition into three grade-based divisions: Division I for grades 3-5, Division II for grades 6-8 and Division III for grades 9-12.
The competition recognized 94 first-place winners, 99 second-place winners and 86 third-place winners. Officials also awarded honorable mention to 70 students.
Six Kanawha County students earned first-place honors. Local winners and their projects included:
- Abram Bickoff and Ariana Young, “The Evolution of 9-1-1” (Division I, U.S. History, group)
- Charvitha Sanjaya, “Tariffs: From the 1700s to Now” (Division III, Economics, individual)
- Addison Elkins, “JQ Dickinson Salt Works: A Family, a Resource, a Legacy” (Division III, State & Local Studies, individual)
- Dharani Thangasamy and Emily Swingle, “Harappa to Hyderabad: How Ancient Architects Mastered Durability We Lost” (Division III, World History, group)
Kanawha County students also earned three second-place awards and four third-place awards. Officials awarded one local student an honorable mention.
A full list of 2026 state social studies fair winners is available on the West Virginia Department of Education website.
State education officials said the fair helps students develop public speaking and critical thinking skills while encouraging independent research and building self-confidence.
“It allows students to explore topics independently and also showcase their ability to conduct meaningful research,” State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said.
More information about the 2026 West Virginia State Social Studies Fair is available online.
