The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 23 – 28 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 25^th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five 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 place, the Lowell Milken 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. We truly welcome you to our community and as a small token of our appreciation, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”

The Fellows honored this week were Sarah Espinal from New York, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn from Vermont, Leah Lawrence from Missouri, Ashley Libben from Indiana, Matthew Mayeske from Kansas, and Ann Marie Vanneste from Canada. 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 its 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.

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious 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.

Those in Fort Scott from June 23 to 28

Sarah Espinal

Sarah Espinal, a 2023 Discovery Award Winner, is a social studies teacher at Jericho Middle School and High School in New York. Since Sarah is bilingual, she has been able to interact more deeply with students. She wants her students to be deeply informed about their learning and encourages historical thinking. Her emphasis on the importance of identifying the bias and credibility of sources helps her students learn to make informed decisions in life.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “As an ENL social studies teacher, Sarah has used her fluency in both English and Spanish to interact with a diverse group of students. She has guided them in developing many award-winning National History Day projects. Her outstanding skills in project development will be a welcomed resource for the 2024 LMC Fellowship.”

Bibba Kahn

Bibba Kahn, a middle school French and Spanish educator in Montpelier, is the 2020 Vermont Teacher of the Year. She believes that learning a new language begins with valuing people from different cultures and backgrounds who may or may not be similar. To value every individual is a skill Bibba feels is essential in our world today. She gives her students many real-world experiences with language and bases her success as an educator on the success of her students’ learning.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Bibba’s love for learning drives her enthusiasm to share knowledge with her students. Through her global travel and teaching experiences, she seeks to reach students of all diversities, valuing their cultural differences. Our 2024 team of Fellows will be fortunate to learn much from Bibba’s vast knowledge base.”

Leah Lawrence

Leah Lawrence, a middle school English Language Arts educator in St. Charles, MO, is the 2023 Missouri Milken Educator. Whether it’s the use of Play-Doh relating to the steps of the writing process or flyswatters that “swat” away errors, Leah’s creative instructional strategies keep her students engaged in their learning and foster their desire to reach their educational goals. Her adaptability in the classroom helps every level of learner have the opportunity to meet with success.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Leah is a gifted educator whose creatively designed lessons pique her students’ interest and motivate them to reach their educational goals. Our staff and the team of 2024 Fellows look forward to the innovative ideas and engaging instructional strategies she has to share.”

Ashley LIbben

Ashley Libben, a 2016 U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Fellow, is a middle school English Language Arts educator in Ligonier, IN. Libben’s use of project-based learning with her eighth-grade students reached a more profound level when her language arts instruction included the teaching of The Diary of Anne Frank. Her students’ interest in the Holocaust grew and ignited questions for which she didn’t have answers. Their interest led her to research answers to their questions and to do more profound research for her own growth in knowledge.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ashley’s use of a project-based learning curriculum helps her students become adept in research and writing skills while making personal connections with the historical figures whose stories they share. I am confident her experiences will inspire our 2024 team of Fellows.”

Matthew Mayeske

Matthew Mayeske, a 2023 Kansas Milken Educator, is a high school social studies teacher in Gardner, KS. His world history and geography classes come alive for his ninth and tenth-grade students through the integration of real-world scenarios with collaborative, inquiry-based instruction. In yearlong roleplaying games, students create characters and participate in simulation activities. They can also immerse themselves in a French Revolution simulation, a strategy-style conflict activity to illustrate WWI diplomacy or a study of interactive maps using GIS technology. Every strategy transforms his classes into vibrant learning experiences.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Matthew’s students benefit from his unique ability to transform his social studies classes into dynamic experiences with hands-on learning skills. These experiences can be a springboard to his students’ development of Unsung Hero projects and models for our 2024 Fellows in their own classrooms.”

Kelly Steffen

Kelly Steffen, a 2019 Gilder Lehrman Iowa History Teacher of the Year, is a high school social studies teacher in Vinton, IA. She is a master at engaging her students through relevance and the use of primary sources, encouraging students to draw their conclusions about history’s impact on their lives. Kelly hopes students learn that history can help them as citizens to make informed decisions in today’s world. This summer, Kelly will also attend the NEH Heart Mountain Seminar to learn more about the effects of Japanese Internment/Incarceration, another powerful resource for her students.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly’s students are well-versed in the vision of our country’s founders. She emphasizes the use of primary sources for her students’ hands-on projects that focus on the people who shaped our nation. Our 2024 Fellows will be able to use her insight to help their students develop informative Unsung Hero projects.”

Ann Marie Vanneste

Ann Marie Vanneste, a Civics, Careers, Religion, and Learning Strategies educator from Kanata, Ontario, was awarded the prestigious 2023 Canada’s Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence National Recipient. She was the recipient  of the 2023 Director of Education Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Canada.  Ann Marie is also a 2024 Women Of Courage Award recipient, presented by The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Devoted to inclusion in education, she wants students to know that someone is rooting for them and their success. She helps her students cultivate pride in their individual cultural places in the world and helps them identify their unique cultural strengths.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ann Marie’s enthusiasm, along with a teaching approach dedicated to inclusion, has made her students realize their valuable places in this world. All of them are encouraged to reach high levels of learning. The motivating and inspiring projects her students have experienced will be a catalyst for ideas and collaboration with this year’s team of LMC 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.

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the five fellows for June 16 – 21 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 18^th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five more Fellows will arrive on June 23^rd.) Upon presenting the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “The students who participate in Unsung Hero projects are changed for life. They become the stars of the future! You, as teachers, do the same. You change lives, and you are our stars because of that. We sincerely welcome you to Fort Scott and as a small token of our appreciation for the work you do, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”

The Fellows honored this week were Aaron Kruger from Wyoming, Erica Quale from ­­­­North Dakota, John Rosenbaum from Rhode Island, Michael Sandstrom from Nebraska, and Kelly Sheridan from Idaho. 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 its 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.

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowships to selected educators who will arrive in Fort Scott on June 16th 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.

The following are the fellows at the Center this week:

Aaron Kruger

Aaron Kruger, a history teacher from Cheyenne, WY, was recognized in 2021 as a Wyoming Milken Educator. History is a popular subject at Cheyenne Central High School, as Aaron 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.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Aaron brings history to life for his students through primary source documentation and roleplaying exercises. His leadership skills and expertise in collaborative decision-making will be positive assets to share with our 2024 team of Fellows. We look forward to great Unsung Hero projects from Aaron’s students.”

Erica Quale, an 8th-grade social studies teacher from Bismarck, ND, received the 2021 Milken Educator Award for North Dakota. She works to make U.S. history relevant to her students’ lives through project-based learning, using historical resources and knowledge to establish those connections. From student-led history lessons shared with elementary students to interactive classroom discussions on civic responsibilities, her students become involved and engaged learners. Their high scores on North Dakota’s Eighth Grade Civics exam validate the positive learning experiences in her classroom.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Erica’s use of project-based learning makes history relevant for her students. Her students become so knowledgeable about their projects they can then share the content with elementary students. Erica’s use of such unique learning experiences makes her a valuable asset to our 2024 team of Fellows.”

John Rosenbaum

John Rosenbaum, a middle school social studies teacher from Central Falls, RI, was honored as the 2021 Rhode Island Milken Educator. Through many hands-on learning experiences, John has made history come alive for his students. His relatable approach to learning has met with great success, as eighth-graders from his school outperform state averages in literacy and enter high school well-prepared for higher-level work.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “As an outstanding and innovative middle school teacher, John collaborates with colleagues to design hands-on learning experiences that impart knowledge and create memories for his students. His strong background in project-based learning and social studies will be an important motivator for project development within our 2024 team of Fellows.”

Michael Sandstrom

Michael Sandstrom, a high school civics and history teacher in Chadron, NE, was honored as the 2019 Gilder Lehrman Nebraska History Teacher of the Year, just one of the many prestigious awards he has received. His strong belief in the importance of civic competence and historical knowledge has guided his teaching style, leading to many positive outcomes for his students. Using local historical resources, students can connect their past to the national issues facing them today.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Michael has a strong belief in the power of history to make the past relevant for his students and to provide a connection to their future. His adept use of primary and secondary sources will provide a valuable resource for the team of 2024 Fellows.”

Kelly Sheridan

Kelly Sheridan, a 2023 Idaho Milken Educator, is the Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Idaho Falls’ Compass Academy, a project-based 9-12 magnet school. As the school’s former art teacher, Kelly has positively impacted the campus climate by incorporating art into the core curriculum and serving as an instructional leader. Having both classroom and leadership experience has made Kelly a valuable role model for students and teachers.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly has had a profound effect on her school climate, developing trusted relationships and implementing professional development focused on research-based instructional strategies. Her collaborative efforts and expertise with project-based learning will be a perfect fit for the mission of the Center and its work with the 2024 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.

On June 26, 2024, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes will be unveiling exhibit panels featuring two new Unsung Heroes. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. inside the Center’s Hall of Heroes, revealing new exhibits honoring Dr. Christine Grant, the University of Iowa’s first director of women’s intercollegiate athletics. She was a national pioneer and voice in the fight for gender equity in athletics, significantly impacting the implementation of Title IX. The second honoree will be Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American doctor in the United States, a champion for her people’s well-being, and a powerful role model for Native Americans and women in medicine.

Featured VIPs will include nationally recognized teachers and their students, whose award-winning projects share the stories of these heroes. Suzy Turner, teacher and 2022 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow from Iowa, and Kadence Huck, one of the three students whose research uncovered the story of Unsung Hero Dr. Christine Grant, will be present to reveal their project. Those attending who researched and discovered Unsung Hero Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte will be student Madison Glidden and her teacher, 2021 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow Megan Helberg from Nebraska.

Additional VIP guests will be Susan Picotte, the great-granddaughter of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, and Susan’s niece, Holly. Honored VIPs representing Dr. Christine Grant will be her niece, Andrea Weiss, and Grant’s best friend and former colleague from the University of Iowa, Peg Burke. Other honored guests will include the new 2024 Lowell Milken Center National Fellowship members, former National Lowell Milken Center Fellows Carly Bowden and Jennifer Farr, as well as family members and guests of the award-winning students and teachers.

Everyone interested is invited to join us on June 26^th at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the extraordinary lives of our two new unsung heroes, who have profoundly impacted history.

These new exhibits are made possible through a 2024 Attraction Development Grant awarded to the Lowell Milken Center from Kansas Tourism. The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.

Once again, EVERGY has awarded the Lowell Milken Center with a Community Impact grant for $1,500 to bring a Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle from Operation Wildlife (OWL) to Fort Scott, Kansas.

The “Raptor Birds” presentations will honor the Unsung Hero and Holocaust survivor Pavel Weiner. Pavel was a teenage boy who survived the Terezin Concentration camp by writing in his diary and helping to create 10 secret magazines about his and his roommates’ experiences in Terezin. These magazines were later used at the Nuremberg Trials. The young men called themselves “Nesharim” which in Hebrew mean “Eagles!”

The event is planned for Wednesday, April 17^th, at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Pavel’s museum panel will be unveiled at 1:00pm followed by a presentation from Jessica Rockhold, Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education in Overland Park, Kansas who will speak about Terezin. The eagles will be outside in the Lowell Milken Park at 2:30pm and 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome for all or part of the event!

“This is a really special treat to see two eagles at once and get to hear Jessica Rockhold who is an expert on all things Holocaust!”  said Ronda Hassig, a spokesperson for the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

About the Lowell Milken Center: 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 Evergy:  As an energy provider, Evergy is committed to creating a sustainable energy future and minimizing our environmental impact. They do this through the advancement of clean energy resources, education, stewardship, and environmental actions and activities.