Two Quest Academy students, Sofia Wang and Oliver Antonelli, advanced to the 2021 National History Day® (NHD) National Contest, that will be held virtually on June 13-19, 2021. The 2021 contest theme was Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.
Sofia and Oliver joined more than half a million students globally who completed projects in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Sofia produced a documentary called The Power of Political Cartoons: Illustrating Chinese Discrimination. Oliver explored his topic via a dramatic portrayal entitled The Subtle Secret: The Key Reason for the Allied Victory in World War II
Students compete in a series of contests beginning at the local level. The top students from all 50 states, D.C., U.S. territories, and international schools are invited to compete in the National Contest.
More than 400 historians and education professionals serve as judges for the students’ work, and as with all other aspects of the contest this year, the judging was conducted remotely online. More than 100 students from across the country will be awarded cash prizes between $500 and $2,000, each, for superior work in specific judging categories.
“To make it to the National Contest is always a remarkable achievement,” said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “Given the added challenges this year due to the ongoing pandemic, I was heartened to see NHD students prove themselves once more and persevere despite adversity. The critical thinking and research skills these students learned through competing in NHD will serve them and provide a solid foundation for success throughout their academic and professional careers.”
Quest Academy is a leading private independent school for gifted students in grades Preschool-8 located in Palatine, IL outside of Chicago. The mission of Quest Academy is to provide gifted children with a challenging curriculum and a nurturing environment, emphasizing sound character, along with scholarship and creativity in both the academics and the arts.
Watch the Winners’ Announcement
Watch Sofia Wang’s Documentary
Watch Oliver Antonelli’s performance
