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Category Archives: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
2023 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
The 2023 Fellows: From left, Back Row: Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Director Lindsay Madison; Ali Jun from Las Vegas, NV; Victoria Lightfoot from Raleigh, NC; Michelle Wolfe from Baker, WV; and FS Tourism Director Jackson Tough. Front Row: Kate Molodyk from Ukraine; Lesley Snyder from Irmo, SC Jennifer Farr from Junction City, KS.
2023 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2023 National Fellowship to 12 educators.
As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 25 – 30 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 27th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Six other Fellows were in Fort Scott last week.) Upon the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “From Gordon Parks to the history of the Fort and the National Cemetery, along with this amazing Center for Unsung Heroes, we realize that Fort Scott is the home of heroes. Now we add you, the Lowell Milken Fellows to that list of heroes. You influence so many young people. You mold them, inspire them, and give them direction.”
The Fellows honored this week were Jennifer Farr from Kansas, Ali Jun from Nevada, Victoria Lightfoot from North Carolina, Kateryna Molodyk from Ukraine, Lesley Snyder from South Carolina, and Michelle Wolfe from West Virginia.
LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “We are so honored to be able to network and collaborate with these exemplary educators and provide them with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize and strategize with each other as they seek to find new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards their Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world.
As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today.
Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
Lowell Milken Fellows: Week Two
The Lowell Milken Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning, according to a press release from the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning through the creation of projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history
Week Two of the fellows welcomes the following educators, who will be here from June 25 – 30.
Victoria Lightfoot, most recently a 3rd grade teacher and currently an instructional coach in Raleigh, NC, received the honor of being a 2021 North Carolina Milken Educator. Devoted to education, Victoria’s powerful teaching skills made a significant and measurable difference in her students’ learning, and also empowered other teachers. Her outstanding work with students on projects has encouraged her colleagues to follow her lead.
After eleven years in the classroom, Victoria’s transition to instructional coach has enabled her to share the successes she had with her students to help increase achievement throughout the school. The creative and engaging activities that motivated her students to high levels of learning are now shared with other educators while Victoria models, co-teaches, and collaborates with them. She observes lessons, and provides feedback focused on success for all.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Victoria’s excellent skills in the classroom, along with her innovative and creative ideas, motivated her students to high levels of learning. With her experience as an instructional coach, Victoria will bring much collaborative expertise to the LMC Fellowship. We know she will be a great resource for all of us.”
Michelle Wolfe, an English teacher at East Hardy High School in Baker, WV, is the 2021 West Virginia Milken Award recipient. She is also a nationally board-certified educator, an outstanding accomplishment in her career.
Michelle has shared her personal love of writing, literature and poetry with her students. Helping them to understand the importance of what they have to say and the relevance of their experiences makes it possible for them to relate to the world outside of the classroom. Michelle’s students not only excel in writing, but learn to visualize the opportunities possible for their future.
“Michelle’s enthusiasm for providing meaningful learning experiences for her students is a great model for other educators,” Conard said. “We know that she will have much to share with this year’s team of Fellows.”
Lesley Snyder received the 2021 South Carolina Milken Educator while she was teaching English at Dutch Fork Middle School in Irmo, SC. This past school year she was on sabbatical, working as a Teacher Leader in Residence for special grant projects and research with the University of South Carolina.
As a middle school teacher, Lesley created innovative, purposeful learning experiences that motivated and engaged her students. Incorporating Project Based Learning was important to her success in providing real-world connections and “passion projects” for her students. Her zeal for diverse instruction motivated all learners to reach their potential and contributed to high levels of achievement at Dutch Fork Middle School. With her love of education, Lesley also takes advantage of opportunities to share her skills with fellow educators.
“We anticipate that our Fellows group will learn much from Lesley’s wide range of experience with Project Based Learning,” Conard said. “We know she can provide many new insights to its use in developing projects that uncover the stories of unsung heroes. What a great asset to our team!”
Kateryna Molodyk was a Global Teacher Award finalist in 2021, with the outstanding distinction of being the youngest teacher ever chosen for this prestigious award. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Ukrainian Languages and Literature for students in Cherkasy, Ukraine.
Her creativity and ingenuity in planning educational activities for her 5th-12th grade students is of prime importance to her, as she believes her students need education now, more than ever. While continuing to teach under much duress at this time of war in her country can be challenging, Kateryna perseveres with compassion and understanding for her students.
“Kateryna is an outstanding young woman and truly dedicated educator,” Conard said. “To be named as a Global Award Finalist at such a young age and to tirelessly work for her students under such difficult circumstances make her an incredible role model and advocate for her students. We are incredibly blessed to have Kateryna on our LMC team of Fellows and look forward to all that we can learn from her.”
Jennifer Farr, a 5th Grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary in Junction City, KS, is a 2017 Kansas Teacher of the Year Finalist. As an ambassador on the team of TOY finalists, Jennifer has been able to learn from and share with other outstanding teachers. She is passionate about celebrating educators and serves on the Kansas LEADS and regional KTOY executive teams, which both allow her the opportunity to elevate the profession.
Jennifer’s passion for education is clearly visible in her elementary classroom. Her many years of experience in 4th and 5th grade classrooms have only strengthened her compassion for her students. Knowing that the relationships she builds with the children in her classes can help to change their lives emotionally and socially, as well as academically, is an extremely gratifying and humbling experience for her.
“Jennifer has been highly recommended by past Fellows,” Conard said. “Through her past visits to the LMC and her work on numerous projects, we know she will be a valuable asset to our 2023 team. We look forward to furthering our relationship with Jennifer.”
Ali Jun, a music specialist at Tyrone Thompson Elementary School in Las Vegas, NV, was a 2021 Nevada Milken Educator. Ali’s award recognized her excellence in arts education and her enthusiasm for learning, which is shared, not only with her students, but with her colleagues and the community. Ali also serves on the “Portrait of a Nevada Learner” Committee, as well as the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Cabinet.
Ali’s positivity and uplifting spirit provide a safe and caring learning environment for her students. It is within that environment that students gain self-confidence and learn to use their creative abilities, whether it be trying new instruments for the first time or singing beyond what they thought possible. The critical thinking skills they develop, as well as emotional expression, benefit their learning in every area of the curriculum.
“Ali’s passion for helping her students succeed is contagious,” Conard said. “We are excited to learn more about her innovative and original approaches to student projects, adding a spark of creative thought to our 2023 Fellowship.”
LMC Fellows Welcomed to Fort Scott
The 2023 Fellows, in this submitted photo.
Back row: Chris Dier from New Orleans, LA, Kevin Dailey from Union, KY, Darrion Cockrell from St. Louis, MO
Front row: Amy Page from Moriarty, NM, Heather Whitaker from Gorham, ME, Lacy Rivera from Los Lunas, NM
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2023 National Fellowship to 12 educators.
As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 18 – 23 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 20th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five more Fellows will arrive on June 25th.)
Upon the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “The students who participate in Unsung Hero projects are changed for life. They become our stars of the future! You, as teachers, do the same. You change lives, and you are our stars because of that.”
The Fellows honored this week were Darrion Cockrell from Missouri, Kevin Dailey from Kentucky, Chris Dier from Louisiana, Amy Page from New Mexico, Lacy Rivera from New Mexico, and Heather Whitaker from Maine. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “It is an honor to be able to network and collaborate with these exceptional educators and provide this opportunity for them to reflect, reenergize and strategize with each other as they seek new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards their Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
Lowell Milken Fellows for 2023: Jun 18-23
2023 Lowell Milken Center Fellows are outstanding teachers that have been awarded the National Lowell Milken Center Fellowship.
There are six fellows the week of June 18 – 23:
Amy Page, Chris Dier, Darrion Cockrell, Heather Whitaker, Kevin Dailey, and Lacy Rivera.
Following iare the bios of each teacher.
Amy Page, a high school history teacher in Moriarty, NM, was the 2022 Patricia Behring National History Day Teacher of the Year. She also received New Mexico’s 2020 History Teacher of the Year Award by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and was named to the prestigious James Madison Fellowship. Her focus on teaching students the importance of using primary sources in their research played an important role in her receiving these awards.
Amy’s emphasis on Project Based Learning and her experience with National History Day have led to engaging students in historical learning. Her creative use of primary sources and implementation of active learning strategies have helped foster historical thinking skills within her students. Amy celebrates every victory along the way for her students, whether it is finding a much-sought-after primary source or winning a national award.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We are thrilled to have Amy join us as a 2023 LMC Fellow. Her vast experience with historical research, primary sources, and Project Based Learning will be an invaluable resource to our team. What a perfect fit with the work of the Lowell Milken Center.”
Chris Dier was named the 2020 Louisiana Teacher of the Year, a 2020 National Teacher of the Year Finalist, and the 2021 Louisiana History Teacher of the Year. He currently teaches social studies at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, but previously taught for 10 years in St. Bernard Parish, LA.
Chris is passionate about providing an equitable and multicultural education to all of his students. He has been featured in numerous publications and outlets which recognized his work in the classroom, and as a Hollyhock Fellow at Stanford University, he was part of a program that brought educators together to create more inclusive classrooms. Based on much research, Chris authored the book, The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre: Blood in the Cane Fields. He often uses it to help his students understand complex historical events and learn from them in an effort to continue to bridge racial divides.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Chris’s powerful research and his understanding of history’s impact on our world today make him a perfect fit for the Lowell Milken Center’s Fellowship. We know he will have much to share in our search for Unsung Heroes and Role Models from history.”
Darrion Cockrell, a PE teacher who is lovingly called Mr. DC by his elementary students, was the 2021 Missouri Teacher of the Year, with the added distinction of being Missouri’s first Black Male Educator of the Year. Additionally, he was honored to receive the 2020 National Box Tops for Education Twilight Award. Having taught at Crestwood Elementary since 2015, Darrion has been an inspiration and role model to his students and fellow staff. His innovative and creative programs include “Crest-Fit” training, a health and fitness program for students with teacher and parent involvement.
Building personal relationships with his students and sharing his own life’s story has helped Darrion motivate and connect with each of his students. When students hear of Darrion’s rough years as a foster child and gang member and see his current success as a caring teacher and loving husband and dad, they learn that they, too, have the opportunity to overcome the challenges they may face in life.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Darrion is an outstanding educator whose ability to connect with students makes him a much-needed role model for their lives. His leadership, coupled with his innovative ideas, will bring new and positive energy to our team of Fellows.”
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Heather Whitaker, an Alternative Education teacher at Gorham Middle School in Gorham, ME.
was the 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year. She started her school’s garden, which donates 1000 pounds of produce for the local food pantry each year. She was also a founding member of the Gorham Backpack program, which provides food for chronically hungry students in the community. Heather’s alternative education students actively volunteer in both programs.
By promoting the combination of learning opportunities with community needs, Heather provides many real-life experiences for her students. As a strong advocate for struggling students, she uses restorative practices to design meaningful projects for her students, which leads to powerful learning experiences.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Heather is an outstanding addition to our team of LMC Fellows. Her experience in the alternative school setting will bring many new ideas for teachers in helping struggling students embrace the opportunities to find positive role models in real-life situations. We look forward to having Heather on our team.”
Kevin Dailey, a middle school history teacher at Ballyshannon Middle School, was the 2021 Milken Educator from Kentucky. He is known by colleagues for his unwavering support for students, combined with all he gives back to the community while instilling the importance of being good citizens. Kevin advocates for all students through his emphasis on fact-based instruction and equity in education.
His emphasis on writing, speaking, listening and reading skills in his classroom help his students recognize the importance of those skills for future academic, personal and professional success. He collaborates with a science colleague for a project-based learning program called Project Citizen, which teaches students about public policy and helps them understand how they can work with community and government leaders to make change possible. Students leave his classroom with a strong foundation that sets them up for positive experiences in high school.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We are thrilled to have Kevin as one of our 2023 Fellows.” His history classes’ creative and inclusive projects mesh well with the Center’s Discovery Award projects and emphasis on Project Based Learning. He will have many great ideas to share with our team this year.”
Lacy Rivera, a 6th grade teacher at Sundance Elementary in Los Lunas, NM, was the 2019 New Mexico Milken Educator. Her previous experience included teaching high school English and serving as a Professional Learning Coach. The relationships she built with so many teachers and students helped strengthened her collaborative skills with colleagues, as well as her own teaching skills when she made the transition back to the classroom at Sundance Elementary.
Working with curriculum is one of Lacy’s strengths, enabling her to engage in very critical ideas of learning, while encouraging students to look at society and define their roles within it. With Lacy’s guidance, students learn to analyze critically and express themselves powerfully. Lacy will be moving to 4th grade this fall, hoping to reinforce her belief that elementary students can be empowered through stories, especially stories of the past, which embolden them to take action today and envision a brighter future for tomorrow.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We look forward to working with Lacy during the 2023 LMC Fellowship. Her experience as both a classroom educator and a Professional Learning Coach will bring an important skill set to our team. We are thrilled that she will be joining us this year.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning through the creation of projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes May Review
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| A Beacon of Hope
Unsung Hero: Abdol Hossein Sardari Grand Prize Artist: Celine Fong, Grade 11, Rye Country Day School, Rye, NY Teacher: Dan Park |
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Local Kansas National History Day Champs Will Present Projects on June 1
National History Day State Champions from Fort Scott Set to Present at the Empress Events Center Southeast Kansas will send two projects to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland June 11–15.
Four groups from the Bourbon County community attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.
The two groups from Fort Scott who are State Champions competing at Nationals in June will present their projects at 7:00 PM on June 1st at the Empress Events Center. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. This event is open to the
public.
The following students are the State Champions and will be sharing their projects on June 1st:
Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Junior Group Documentary category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is entitled Blazing a Trail for the Forgotten. It is a documentary based on Jean Purdy, the first embryologist in history.
Jean’s efforts in helping biologist Dr. Robert Edwards and gynecologist Dr. Patrick Steptoe led to the first IVF baby being born in 1978.
Taly Banwart, Holly Crain, and Abby Jacobs from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Senior Group Performance category, coached by CLC history teacher Dan Kobernat. Their project is entitled A Love Larger Than Life. It is a performance based on Dr. Leila Denmark and her efforts to eradicate whooping cough by creating the pertussis vaccine. Dr. Denmark’s vaccine was the 11th vaccine ever developed.
History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and
original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three–dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.
The national competition involves the top 2,000 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000
who compete in order to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is “Frontiers in History: People, Ideas, and Events.”
The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero
projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.
Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter April
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Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills at Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes April 12
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Native American Olympic Medal Winner Billy Mills: April 12 at LMC.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Announces
Wednesday, April 12th Special Event
In honor of the Great Onondaga Chief Hiawatha, unsung Native American hero, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes invites all to attend a reception for and discussion with the Olympic Gold Medal Winner of the 10,000meter at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics – Billy Mills. Three students will be awarded $100 for writing and performing a poem about “The Leader We Need.” They will each have the opportunity to perform their poem for the audience, after which we will discuss “The Leader We Need.” This event will take place on Wednesday, April 12th at 2:00pm at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main St.
Billy Mills’ visit is sponsored by a grant from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, the Lowell Milken Center, and the Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. This event is in preparation for the “Wahzhazhe: an Osage Ballet” which will have performances on July 21st and 22nd at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at the Fort Scott Community College.
About Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area: The FFNHA tells the stories and builds awareness of our region’s past, present and future: the Kansas-Missouri border war, the Civil War, the settlement of the western frontier and rural America, and our enduring struggle for freedom.
About the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung Heroes.
About the Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc.: The Friends of the Fort provides volunteers and financial support for the Fort Scott National Historic Site special events including the annual immersive Winter Candlelight tour, the annual Naturalization Ceremony, and other educational programming. The Friends advocate for the NHS and solicit and administer contributions/grants to help support the goals and missions of the NHS.
Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter
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Women’s Fight For Rights Presentation Explores: What Is a Hero?
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott will host “Army of the Amazons: Women’s Fight for Labor Rights in the Kansas Coalfields,” a presentation and discussion by Linda O’Nelio Knoll on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 2 p.m., at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main Street.
“The presentation and books are free and there will be wine and cheese as well,” said Ronda Hassig, Funding Development Spokesperson at the LMC. “We would love to see you and you are welcome to bring a friend too!”
Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at #620-223-1312 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Refreshments will be provided for those attending.
To view the poster of the event:
Email Community Book Read (5 × 7 in) (2)(1)
In December 1921, thousands of women in southeast Kansas rose up to fight injustice in the area coalfields.
These women were immigrants from Eastern European nations as well as Kansas born.
After a months-long strike by the coalminers, the women joined the cause. In the short term, their efforts crippled mine production for nearly a month; in the longer term, their continued activism impacted future statewide elections and national legislation.
This talk will share the stories of these women, christened the “Amazon Army” by The New York Times, and their fight for democracy and labor rights in Kansas’s coalfields.
This event will kick off the community reading of two books about Unsung Heroes “Cher Ami” and “Lorraine Hansberry.”
Free books are provided by Humanities Kansas and all are welcome to participate!
Both book discussions will happen at the Lowell Milken Center three weeks after the book is passed out
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.
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