Quest Student Finished 2nd Nationally at 2025 National History Day
Article appeared in the Patch newsletters
Calling her website one of the best he’s ever seen at the history fair, teacher Drew Shilhanek has nothing but good things to say about student Paige Timpe, who finished second nationally in the 2025 National History Day competition.
“This is an amazing accomplishment for Paige,” said Shilhanek, who teaches Timpe at Quest Academy in Palatine. “I’m incredibly proud of her creativity, determination, and ability to navigate such complex research and technology.”
Quest Academy is an independent school for gifted students in the northwest suburbs
Timpe, a recent eighth-grade graduate, competed earlier this month at the University of Maryland, College Park. The week-long event brought together nearly 3,000 middle and high school students from across the United States and international schools around the world. Students represented all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American territories, Department of Defense schools, and international schools in countries such as China and South Korea.
Timpe was recognized in the Junior Individual Website category for her project, “Calling the Shots: How Vaccination Changed the Rights and Responsibilities of Public Health.” Her website explored the historical tension between personal freedoms and public health obligations through the lens of vaccination policy — a subject with strong contemporary relevance.
National History Day is a highly respected academic contest that promotes historical research and scholarship among students in grades 6 through 12. Participants present their work through websites, papers, exhibits, documentaries, and performances, following a yearly theme.
According to Quest Academy, Timpe’s national recognition highlights both her academic dedication and the educational environment fostered at the school. As Timpe prepares to enter high school, her achievement is being celebrated by both the Quest Academy and Arlington Heights communities.
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