For the second year in a row, Wakefield School sophomore Eleanor Ligon, 16, of Sterling, has advanced to the National History Day competition at the University of Maryland beginning on June 10.

A self-proclaimed "Titanic fanatic," Ligon's project is titled, "It Was Sad When the Great Ship Went Down."

"This year's topic was Revolution, Reaction and Reform, and so I was excited because I could do something on the Titanic," Ligon said. "This amazing ship full of luxuries was built as the next big thing, but the unsinkable ship sunk. From that sinking, there were a lot of new reforms, from developing the ice patrol to requiring all ships have enough lifeboats for every person on board."

Ligon's history teacher Carolyn Wyrsch said with 2012 being the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, her project was very well-timed.

"Having been successful at regional and state levels in the competition, she now advances to the national level with her single individual exhibit for the round of stiff competition, which is scheduled for the second week in June at the University of Maryland," Wyrsch said. "Ellie's detailed research and enthusiasm for History Day really shine through with the recognitions that have come her way."

Ligon said she is fascinated by the Titanic, but was surprised to learn from her research on this project the actual amount of reform that came from its sinking.

"It's ironic that the ship was made in Europe, but Americans enacted more reforms because of the sinking," she said.

She is excited for the national competition and said she is less nervous this time around.

"I know what I'm getting into this time," she said. "It's a wonderful feeling to walk in, present everything you've researched about this one topic, and answer all the questions the judges ask. It's very scary, but it makes you feel really smart."

Ligon advanced to the National History Day last year as well. Her project, titled "Your Cause Is Just, but I Can Do Nothing for You," centered on the 1837 conflict between the federal government and the Mormon Church.

Ligon is the daughter of Steven and Sheryl Ligon.