Katie Botello 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 Katie Botello, a video production teacher at Sunnyside High School in Fresno, CA. Katie 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.

Katie Botello, a video production teacher from Fresno, CA, was recognized in 2019 as a Milken Educator. Katie is the coordinator of the Video Production Academy, a three-year grant-funded program aimed at building a school within a school. Her students learn hands-on production skills and earn certifications that land them work in the industry while still attending high school.

Last year, Katie earned her National Board Certification in Career Technical Education. She is on the board for the Fresno Clovis Community Media Alliance, completed a Journalism Teacher Fellowship with Cal Matters, and is actively working with Kincade Productions to get students in California recognition through the state for completing training as a production assistant. In September, she was given a Resolution from the State of California highlighting the work she has completed with her students. She loves working with community and business partners to help give her students real-world applications of the skills they learn in class.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Katie’s expertise and experience utilizing project-based learning and interdisciplinary instructional approaches will significantly benefit our 2026 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.

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.

James Lawlor 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 James Lawlor, a social studies teacher at Jericho Middle School in Jericho, NY. James 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.

James Lawlor, a dedicated middle and high school social studies teacher with 27 years of experience, fosters student engagement and strengthens critical thinking skills through dynamic project-based learning. His classroom emphasizes inquiry, collaboration, and real-world connections, empowering students to take ownership of their learning. By guiding students to explore complex historical and civic issues, James cultivates thoughtful analysis, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

James’s students regularly participate in the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes National Discovery Award competition, where multiple projects have earned national recognition—highlighting their dedication to research, storytelling, and bringing Unsung Heroes to light. He is also an LMC ARTEFFECT Ambassador whose students submit entries to the competition annually.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “James’ methods for implementing project-based learning, promoting critical thinking, and creating a supportive learning environment will add tremendous value to the 2026 Fellowship.”

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 for Unsung Heroes’ special summer exhibition honoring Unsung Hero Mary Anning is now open!

Long before paleontology became a recognized field, Mary Anning was making groundbreaking fossil discoveries along the cliffs of England’s Jurassic Coast. Her findings helped shape our understanding of prehistoric life and inspired generations of scientists.

Visitors to the exhibition can explore fascinating fossils, life-sized replicas, dinosaur teeth and claws, and learn how one determined young woman changed science forever. Watch the KOAM-TV News segment featuring the exhibition, and plan your visit today!

Discovery Award Deadline Approaching

Over the years, the Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award competition has grown, as more teachers and students embrace project-based learning and the opportunity to bring overlooked stories to light. The quality, creativity, and depth of research in these projects continue to impress our judges and inspire everyone involved.

We are looking forward to receiving this year’s submissions and seeing the remarkable stories students have discovered. If you are a teacher or student currently working on a project and have questions about the submission process, we are always happy to help—please feel free to reach out.

• Discovery Award project deadline: July 1
• Learn more and access submission information: lowellmilkencenter.org/competitions/discovery-award
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 620-223-1312

Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity? Please help us spread the word! Share the Discovery Award with teachers, students, and schools in your circle and invite them to discover a hero, create a project, and make an impact.

Welcoming the 2026 LMC Fellows

On June 21, we will welcome our first group of national award-winning educators from across North America to Fort Scott for the 2026 Lowell Milken Center Fellowship.

Week 1 Fellows (June 21–26)

• Collin Binko: 2024 Wyoming Milken Educator, Jackson, WY
• Katie Botello: 2019 California Milken Educator, Fresno, CA
• Heather Hurt: 2018 Alabama Milken Educator, Vestavia Hills, AL
• James Lawlor: Discovery Award Winner / ARTEFFECT Ambassador, Jericho, NY
• Johnna Stoffregen: 2019 NAEA Kansas Art Educator and ARTEFFECT Ambassador, Andover, KS
• Magali Turner: 2023 New Mexico Milken Educator, Deming, NM

Week 2 Fellows (June 28–July 3)

• Liz Anstine: 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Olathe, KS
• Elizabeth Hutton: Life in a Jar Original Cast / Project Member, Lebanon, MO
• Jennifer McMunn: Finalist for National History Day Teacher of the Year, Mansfield, CT
• Elizabeth Metts: 2025 Massachusetts Milken Educator, Boston, MA
• Danyel Smith: 2024 California Milken Educator, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Kelly Steffen: 2019 Gilder Lehrman Award, Vinton, IA

These outstanding teachers will spend the week exploring Unsung Hero stories, collaborating with fellow educators, and developing innovative classroom projects that inspire students to make a difference in their communities. The impact of the Fellowship extends far beyond one week, reaching thousands of students for years to come through meaningful, project-based learning experiences.

Celebrating Joyce’s Service

As Administrative Assistant and Docent, Joyce plays an important role in supporting staff, welcoming visitors, and sharing the stories of Unsung Heroes through tours of the Hall of Unsung Heroes. Her dedication, knowledge, and friendly presence have made a lasting impact on the Center, its visitors, and the educators and students we serve around the world.

Thank you, Joyce, for eight years of service to the LMC mission!

Source: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes newsletter, June 18, 2026. The center is located at 1 South Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Johnna Stoffregen Named 

2026 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2026 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Johnna Stoffregen, visual art teacher at Andover Middle School in Kansas. Johnna 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 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.

Johnna Stoffregen, a visual art teacher from Andover Middle School in Andover, Kansas, has been recognized as a 2023-2024 ARTEFFECT Ambassador. Mrs. Stoffregen’s award-winning art program empowers students to use art as a tool for self-discovery and communication. Young artists are encouraged to take risks and solve complex problems using critical thinking skills essential for life beyond the art studio.

Within her district, Mrs. Stoffregen serves as the Professional Learning Community Coordinator for the district’s visual arts team, organizing professional learning and fostering communication between teachers and district administration. She also founded an International Travel Program, providing opportunities for students and families to immerse themselves in global learning. Mrs. Stoffregen provides professional development for adults as well as students by presenting at a variety of conferences and workshops featuring the state standards, arts integration, and project-based learning.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Johnna’s experience as an ARTEFFECT Ambassador and appreciation of the unsung heroes whose selfless lives have profoundly impacted history will be a perfect fit with our dynamic 2026 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.

Magali Turner 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 Magali Turner, a 2023 New Mexico Milken Educator and fifth-grade teacher at Ruben S. Torres Elementary School in Deming, New Mexico. Magali 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.

Ms. Turner is a passionate fifth-grade educator who is widely recognized for creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed. Known for her enthusiasm for mathematics, she challenges students to think critically while maintaining high expectations that empower them to push beyond perceived limits. By encouraging focus, perseverance, and goal setting, Ms. Turner helps students realize that their effort can open doors to greater opportunities than they may have imagined.

Through creative and engaging instruction, she brings energy to every subject she teaches. Ms. Turner is particularly committed to building strong foundations in math, science, and reading—skills that students carry with them long after they leave her classroom. Her innovative teaching style and dedication to student growth have made a lasting impact on her students and the broader school community.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Magali’s enthusiasm for discovering the stories of Unsung Heroes in history will be contagious and will be a great asset as the 2026 Fellows develop their projects.”

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 for Unsung Heroes will host a Dinosaur Fossil Exhibit honoring Unsung Hero Mary Anning starting June 15^th through July 11^th! The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is at 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott, Kansas. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Center is closed Sundays. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Anning was an English pioneering fossil collector and paleontologist. Her discoveries were some of the most important geological finds of all time, and yet she never received the credit that she was due because of her gender, education, and economic status. The exhibit will include fossils from the Quetzalcoatlus, Tropeognathus, Ichthyosaurus, Triceratops, Apatosaurus, Protoceratops, Zuniceratops, and Stegoceras!

A presentation by paleontologist Megan Sims from the University of Kansas Natural History Museum is planned for late June, and the Fort Scott Public Library Summer Reading program will be at the Milken Center on Thursday, June 25^th for Dinosaur Read-alouds!

For more information, visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org or follow the Lowell Milken Center on social media.