We are proud to introduce this year’s outstanding student winners, whose projects honor Unsung Heroes with remarkable creativity, research, and passion.
The award-winning documentaries, performances, and websites highlight the courage, innovation, and impact of newly discovered Unsung Heroes whose legacy continues to inspire change today.
Discover the full list of winners and celebrate the stories—and students—that are making history come alive.
Jay Patel and Rayan Hasan of Jericho High School in New York were surprised with the announcement that their documentary, The Unsung Hero of Industrial Health: Alice Hamilton’s Responsibility in Shaping Industrial Health Policies, earned the $6,000 Grand Prize.
LMC CEO Norm Conard presented the award in front of classmates, family, school and district officials, and their supervising teacher, Dr. Brian Dussel.
Their compelling project brings to life the story of physician and researcher Alice Hamilton, whose groundbreaking investigations into workplace hazards shaped policies that protected workers nationwide.
Join us in celebrating Jay and Rayan’s incredible achievement!
Watch for Our Next Newsletter
There’s more to come! In upcoming editions, we’ll take you behind the scenes with interviews from the Discovery Award–winning students, offering a closer look at their research journeys and creative process. You’ll also learn more about the Unsung Heroes they uncovered—extraordinary individuals whose courage and impact continue to shape our world today.
Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for these inspiring stories and student spotlights!
Staff Spotlight: Megan Felt
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our Program Director, Megan Felt.
As Program Director at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Megan Felt plays a vital role in guiding teachers and students around the world to uncover and share powerful stories of Unsung Heroes. From her beginnings as a high school student who helped launch the Life in a Jar project about Irena Sendler, to her leadership today, Megan has dedicated her life to education, storytelling, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
Megan Felt was a student in Norm Conard’s class and is one of the founders of the Life in a Jar project that began in 1999, which discovered Irena Sendler. Megan was named a National Coca-Cola All-American Scholar for her community service. She was also selected to the 2nd team USA Today All-American Academic Team for 2003. She graduated from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, and earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership. About the development of the Life in a Jar project, Megan says, “During my freshman year in high school, we discovered the story of an amazing woman named Irena Sendler, and our research began. We thought the Irena Sendler Project would end after the National History Day competition, but to our surprise, the project had taken a life of its own. The first time I met Irena, I was amazed by her wisdom and grace. Her courage and love could tear down any barrier. She challenged us to continue her story and inspire others. This is a tremendous task we will all try to achieve for the rest of our lives.” As Program Director, Megan works with teachers and students all over the world, developing projects.
What Our Visitors Are Saying…
Each year, thousands of visitors walk through the doors of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes—and they leave inspired. From teachers and students to lifelong learners, guests share how meaningful and powerful the Unsung Hero stories are. Here’s just a glimpse of the impact the Center is making, in the words of our visitors.
Want to experience it for yourself? Schedule a group tour or plan your visit today! Call us at 620-223-1312 or email: nconard@lowellmilkencenter.org for more information.
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes · 1 South Main St · Fort Scott, KS 66701 · USA
