FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 23, 2018
Contact: Chad Houck, Deputy Secretary of State
Phone: (208) 332-2862 | Email: [email protected]
Eagle, Idaho – The Idaho History Bee Team from Seven Oaks Elementary was recognized today by Secretary of State Lawrence Denney for finding and reporting a misstated fact published in the 2017-2018 Blue Book. Because of their diligence, research, and attention to detail, the History Bee Team was able to point out that the Blue Book references Idaho as the 13th largest state in Land Area, when it is in fact the 14th largest state overall. The statistic can be traced back as far as the 1971 edition of the book, where it is believed that a different statistic (Land area, not total area) was referenced for the ranking.
Secretary Denney was so impressed with these young people’s initiative to take an active interest and participation in the documentation of Idaho State history, he presented each student with a letter of recognition, and a personally signed and corrected copy of the Idaho Blue Book with statistics based off of the most recent 2010 census data and rankings. This information, along with a link referencing the letter sent by the team, has been added to the online version of the Idaho Blue Book. (see page 2 of the Blue Book)
The entire school was present to recognize these outstanding students, including teachers and staff. The entire fourth grade had a short Q & A with Secretary Denney and Deputy Secretary Chad Houck immediately following the assembly to answer questions and share what the office had found as they corrected the error the students had pointed out. The students had pointed out one issue, but it led to the clarification and actual change of four points in the book.
ABOUT LAWERENCE DENNEY
Lawerence Denney has served the people of Idaho since 1990. His public service began as a representative in District 13 and, following redistricting, then became a representative in District 9 until 2014. During this time, Denney served two terms as Majority Leader and three terms as Speaker of the House before successfully running for state office as Idaho’s Secretary of State. He is currently in the fourth year of his first term as Secretary of State.
ABOUT SEVEN OAKS ELEMENTARY
Principal: Lil Folkner
Seven Oaks Elementary School is a learning place where PreK-5 students are instructed by highly skilled teachers with engaging and thoughtfully prepared lessons. Our staff takes a collaborative approach to education and takes pride in making each day a learning day for our students. We strive to integrate high levels of respect, responsibility, and safety in our classrooms, hallways, and playground as well.