This is part of a series on the
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Alex Lahasky, a Social Studies teacher at Blue Valley West High in Overland Park, KS. Alex will arrive in Fort Scott on June 15th 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.
Alex Lahasky, a social studies teacher from Overland Park, KS, was recognized as a 2023 Kansas Milken Educator. AP US History is a popular subject at Blue Valley West High School, as Lahasky empowers his students to succeed and excel by fostering open discussion and critical thinking skills. His students consistently surpass state and global pass rates on the AP History exams. Lahasky also aims to develop empathy and interpersonal skills through the exercise of historical thinking.
Within his school, Lahasky serves as social studies department chair, sits on the building leadership team, facilitates a mentor program for new teachers, and is an assistant baseball coach. His measured and methodical leadership fosters a dialogue that has created positive change in school administration and culture.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Alex’s innovative lessons fuel his students’ passion for the past and help them make connections to the present. His strong research and literary skills will provide a unique project development resource for the 2025 team of Fellows.”
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.