Katie O'Neal

Where do you currently live?

Payson, Illinois

What is your current occupation?

I am a 6-8th grade English and reading teacher at St. Dominic School.

What school did you attend while participating in NHD?

Payson Seymour High School

What college did you attend?

I have a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Quincy University.

Who were your teachers?

Cindy Mena

What years and in what category did you participate in NHD?

1999, Group Documentary

What are a few of your favorite or defining moments from your NHD experience?

The whole experience of visiting Washington, D.C is one I will always fondly remember. I look forward to taking my own children someday to see all the historic sites, and I can only hope compete in NHD.

How did NHD help you after high school?

I wrote about the experience and received two college credits during my undergraduate degree at Quincy University. In my classroom, I share my experience to motivate and inspire my students as they start their NHD projects each fall. It is an amazing opportunity to compete on a National level for all students.

What recognition did you receive for participating in NHD?

Our small town made our trip to Washington, D.C. front page news. We shared our entry with the International Millwright's Society at their meeting in Golden, Illinois. We met people from around the world renovating or caring for their own historic windmills.

Did you do anything with your NHD project or research after the contest year?

We shared our entry with the International Millwright's Society at their meeting in Golden, Illinois. We met people from around the world renovating or caring for their own historic windmills. It used to be on display in the museum next to the Golden Windmill.
Throwback photo