Heather Hurt Named
2026 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Heather Hurt, a fifth-grade teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central in Alabama. Heather will arrive in Fort Scott on June 21st for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. 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.
Heather Hurt, a fifth-grade teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central in Alabama, was honored in 2018 as an Alabama Milken Educator. She is known for her engaging creativity, exceptional relationships with students and parents, and her passion for preparing students for success beyond the standards. Her interdisciplinary, creative, and tech-savvy lessons encourage students to think outside the box while fostering collaboration, curiosity, and confidence in the classroom.
Within her school community, Hurt is recognized for creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to become innovative thinkers and lifelong learners. Her commitment to student growth and creative education reflects the mission and values of the Lowell Milken Center.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Heather’s collaborative spirit and innovative approach to education make her an excellent fit for our Fellowship program. Her interdisciplinary and creative lessons encourage students to think beyond the classroom, and her work with the 2026 Fellows team will undoubtedly yield many great projects and ideas.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating 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.