Category Archives: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

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Unsung Heroes Semi-Finalists To Be Revealed

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August 15, 2025

Vol. 8

The 2025 Semi-Finalists — Stories That Inspire!

2025 National Discovery Award Semi-Finalists Announced! 🎉

We are excited to reveal this year’s talented semi-finalists, students whose powerful projects reveal the untold stories of Unsung Heroes from around the world. Their creativity, research, and storytelling shine a light on individuals who made a lasting impact yet remain absent from most history books.

Finalists will be announced on September 2, so stay tuned to see who advances to the next round.

Explore the full list of semi-finalists and be inspired by the stories that are shaping tomorrow’s changemakers.

More Insights from The 2025 Fellows

”The LMC fellowship is a week full of being poured into by the most dedicated and passionate staff, the most welcoming and open townspeople, and the unexpected charm and quiet gravitation of the small town itself, so educators leave with their professional cups overflowing with renewed inspiration, a stronger network, and the ability and drive to make a positive difference in more students’ lives.”

~ Kelly Ryan, LA

“The Lowell Milken Fellowship highlights the best of what public education has to offer. As educators we all work to help students use their creativity and dive deep into topics they are passionate about; that’s what helps set them up for their best post secondary success. The work of this Fellowship offers educators even more tools to build spaces for success within and beyond their classroom.

Some of what I loved most about my week at the Lowell Milken Center was being able to see the range of passions that other Fellows and LMC staff demonstrated. It shows how finding and celebrating unsung heroes can cross all disciplines.”

~ Brian Skinner, KS

“The LMC Fellowship will reshape my approach to curriculum design by emphasizing the importance of spotlighting unsung heroes and fostering student engagement through both in-depth research and the creative development of projects intended for public sharing.  I deeply valued the opportunity to collaborate with fellow like-minded educators and to connect with the LMC and Fort Scott community, whose warmth and generosity were truly moving. A piece of my heart remains in Fort Scott, Kansas, and I return feeling inspired and energized for the new school year.”

~ Jennifer Klein, CT

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Norm Conard

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our CEO, Norm Conard.

A visionary educator and tireless advocate for project-based learning, Norm has dedicated his career to inspiring students and teachers to uncover and share the stories of Unsung Heroes. His leadership at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes continues to shape classrooms across the country and around the world.

Norm Conard is a third-generation educator who taught for over 30 years, during which time he developed non-traditional teaching methods that extend the boundaries of the classroom. One of his great sources of pride is having seen over 60 of his students achieve national recognition in the national history competition, and almost 200 students receive state history awards. He is known internationally for his development of projects that teach respect and understanding among all people and for innovation in project-based learning.

Norm’s leadership at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is another step in the process of bringing innovative educational ideas to the classrooms of America and around the world. He mentors teachers in the development projects that feature Unsung Heroes, such as the Irena Sendler Project, Life in a Jar.

A member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, Norm has received much local, state and national recognition for his work, including the Milken Educator Award in 1992. He is a Kansas Teacher of the Year, National Secondary Social Studies Outstanding Teacher, USA Today All-American Teacher, Nationally Board Certified educator and the 2012 Kansan of the Year. Mr. Conard retired from classroom teaching in 2007 to become CEO of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

📢 2025 Discovery Award Finalists Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars — the finalists will be announced on September 2. Stay tuned to see which projects are moving forward in the competition.
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ArtEffect 2025 Certificate of Excellence Winners

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Presenting
2025 Certificate of Excellence Winners!
This newsletter spotlights 6 Certificate of Excellence awardees with projects honoring Unsung Heroes who made an impact on the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

  • Jamila Shin (Grade 11) from Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro, New Jersey, depicted the story of Norman Borlaug in her artwork The Wheat Father of the Green Revolution. Borlaug developed high-yield, disease-resistant crops that helped combat world hunger and sparked the Green Revolution.
  • Emily Lu (Grade 9) from YunHuaFang Art Studio in Saratoga, California, depicted the story of Jacob Valentine II in her mixed-media artwork The Embodiment of Our Hope. Valentine was a dedicated advocate for environmental and animal conservation, working to protect fragile ecosystems and endangered species.
  • Kevin Chen (Grade 10) from Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Washington, created the digital artwork An Echo Through Time in honor of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. Al-Khwarizmi, a 9th-century mathematician, laid the foundation for algebra and introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to the Western world.
  • Anya Lee (Grade 8) from The Harker School in San Jose, California, chose Jerrie Cobb as the inspiration for her mixed-media artwork A Beacon of Possibility. Cobb was a pioneering aviator who fought for the inclusion of women in the U.S. space program.
  • Eileen Wang (Grade 10) from the Overlake School in Redmond, Washington, painted a portrait of Gene Shoemaker titled Among the Stars. Shoemaker was a geologist and one of the founders of planetary science, whose work helped shape NASA’s approach to space exploration.
  • Katherine Holtman (Grade 12) from Kimball High School in Tracy, California, chose Hedy Lamarr as the subject for her mixed-media artwork Beauty and Brilliance. Lamarr, known as a Hollywood actress, was also an inventor who co-developed a frequency-hopping technology that paved the way for modern wireless communication.
ARTEFFECT Ambassadors
Visual Arts Online Fellowship 2024-2025
Call for Applications Now Open!
Now in its third year, ARTEFFECT Ambassadors is an online fellowship for educators working directly with students in grades 6-12 to foster the visual arts. Ambassadors learn alongside other high-level practitioners through visual arts-focused, project-based lessons centered on the inspiring and diverse stories of Unsung Heroes from history. During the school year, Ambassadors participate in a series of online modules and complete an innovative capstone project that engages their classrooms and communities.

Review the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Info Sheet that provides details on the program overview and timeline, participation requirements, eligibility, and application process.
Apply by Monday, September 15, 2025.
Download Program Info Sheet
Ambassadors Info Session Webinar
August 20, 4:00-5:00PM PT
Join the Ambassadors Info Session on Wednesday, August 20 at 4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time to learn more about the Ambassadors visual arts online fellowship. Bring your questions. Registration required.
Register Now
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Keri Reynolds, Art Educator at Kerr High School and Alief ISD in Houston, TX.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. As the yearlong program comes to its end, Keri shared about her capstone project. Here is an excerpt from her narrative:

“My completed capstone project, ‘Unsung Heroes Across the Community’, supported students across multiple art courses to explore local artists, research the LMC Unsung Heroes, create finished works of art, and share their research and artwork with the greater community through a culminating collaborative three-month public art exhibit at the local neighborhood center which will conclude at the end of August.“

Thank you to Keri and the students at Kerr High School for your creativity and inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!
Read more about Keri’s capstone project
Congratulations to Keri and her student, Faith Nguyen (Grade 11) for being selected as a finalist in the 2025 Competition! Faith’s project, Behind the Scenes, a colored pencil and graphite on paper drawing, focuses on Unsung Hero Noor Inayat-Khan.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteffectlmc
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arteffectlmc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arteffectlmc
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center Newsletter July 30 Edition

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July 30, 2025

Vol. 7

Coming August 15: 2025 Discovery Award

Semi-Finalists Revealed!

📣 Big News is Coming!

The 2025 Discovery Award Semi-Finalists will be announced

on August 15!

These student-created projects spotlight Unsung Heroes who changed the world—and we can’t wait to share the powerful stories they’ve uncovered.

Stay tuned! 👀

Spotlight on 2024’s Grand Prize Winner
Harmony Yan-Li of Irvine, CA, earned the 2024 Discovery Award Grand Prize for her powerful documentary on Dr. Frances Kelsey, the FDA scientist who stood firm against thalidomide and protected countless families.
Discover how one student brought this Unsung Hero’s legacy to life.

“By encouraging students to explore unsung heroes, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes calls for communities as a whole to recognize and appreciate those who have made positive change in our society. The Discovery Award program prompted me to develop both personal values and historical research skills, which helps me create and think better each day. The application process could not be simpler, which makes this program one of the most accessible out there.”

– Harmony Yan-Li

2024 Discovery Award Grand-Prize Winner

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Meet Ronda & Ty!
We’re shining a light on two fantastic members of the LMC team!

Ronda Hassig wears two important hats, she leads our Funding Development efforts and serves as a dedicated docent. Whether she’s writing grant proposals or guiding visitors through powerful Unsung Hero stories, Ronda helps bring our mission to life every day.

Ty Covey, our Technology Coordinator, is the creative force behind the interactive tech in our exhibits. From digital displays to engaging multimedia features, Ty is always finding innovative ways to enhance the LMC experience.

We are fortunate to have them both on the team!

📢 Follow Along

Get ready to be inspired! Follow us on social media and be among the first to celebrate the 2025 Discovery Award semi-finalists.
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Summer Spotlight at The LMC: Breaking Records & Sharing New Stories

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July 21, 2025

Vol. 6

Summer Spotlight at The LMC:

Breaking Records & Sharing New Stories

Summer at the Lowell Milken Center is in full swing!

There’s so much to celebrate—and even more to explore! This summer, the Lowell Milken Center has hosted remarkable exhibits, welcomed visitors from near and far, and worked alongside educators to keep the stories of Unsung Heroes alive. In this issue, dive into highlights from the Anne Frank exhibit, meet the incredible 2025 Fellows, and find out how you can get involved in upcoming programs and events.

2025 LMC Fellowship: A Transformative Experience

The 2025 LMC Fellowship took place during the last two weeks of June. It brought together national award-winning educators, including two from Canada, for a prestigious professional development experience. This year’s Fellows formed a dynamic group of educators committed to inspiring meaningful change in their classrooms and communities.

While at the Lowell Milken Center, Fellows reflected, recharged, and collaborated with like-minded peers. With personalized support from our team of educational experts, they explored innovative strategies and resources to guide students in creating impactful Unsung Hero projects. The Fellowship strengthened each educator’s ability to lead project-based learning that builds critical thinking, research, analysis, and real-world application.

The impact of the experience was best captured in the Fellows’ own words:

“I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn alongside some amazing educators during our week in Fort Scott! I am grateful for every opportunity the LMC provided to expand our teaching and impact our students.”
— Meghan Menchella, MO

“Being an LMC Fellow reinforced the power and impact of the human story in a world that is so desperately in need of unsung and everyday heroes. The Lowell Milken Center team has world-class educational leaders, fantastic mentors, and embodies the slogan ‘why not you?’”
— Graeme Stacey, British Columbia, Canada.

“On top of the celebrity treatment and ability to grow professionally, the LMC Fellowship gave me the time and space to connect with like-minded educators. The relationships built with the other Fellows and the Center’s staff are by far going to be the largest, lasting impact.”
— Jay Weisman, LA

“The LMC Fellowship was an unforgettable experience that has reignited my passion for project-based learning. The collaboration, resources, and support provided by the center have given me renewed energy to inspire my students.”
— Sandra Hutton, Ontario, Canada

“Becoming a Lowell Milken Fellow was a transformative experience for me.  My time at the center, the people we met, and the experiences we had will inevitably become a core memory.  After hearing Megan’s story about how her discovery of Irena Sendler has impacted her life and the lives of people worldwide, I am inspired to dedicate myself to enabling my students to make a similar impact through research.  The power of students sharing a narrative of those who came before us, whose memories may have been lost to time, is extraordinary.  I am so grateful that I can be part of that process.”

— Valerie Conklin, NY

 

Fellows will return to their schools in the fall ready to help students discover and share the powerful stories of role models who made a difference.

The Anne Frank Exhibit Brought Record Crowds and New Discoveries of Unsung Heroes to the Lowell Milken Center

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes was honored to host the international traveling exhibit Anne Frank: A History for Today. The exhibit, in partnership with the Anne Frank Center, offered a rare opportunity to learn about Anne Frank, her family, and the courageous individuals who helped them during one of history’s darkest chapters.

The response was incredible—over 5,000 visitors in June, making this one of our most successful exhibits ever. Guests traveled from 18 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, and dozens of school and community groups experienced this powerful educational opportunity.

The Lowell Milken Center extends its gratitude to Megan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow and current Program Coordinator for the Anne Frank Center, for making this exhibit possible in Fort Scott. Thanks to Megan’s efforts and the personal stories shared by visitors, we are uncovering new Unsung Heroes connected to Anne Frank’s story—remarkable individuals whose courage and humanity deserve to be remembered.

“Anne Frank’s story remains as relevant today as ever, reminding us of the dangers of prejudice and the strength of hope,” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this moving experience!

📣 2025 Discovery Award – Submissions Closed

The submission window for the 2025 Discovery Award has officially closed, and our judging panel is now reviewing an incredible collection of projects from students across the globe!

These entries showcase the stories of Unsung Heroes—individuals who made a lasting impact on history—through original documentaries, websites, and performances. This competition not only honors these remarkable figures but also empowers students in grades 4–12 to develop essential skills in research, critical thinking, and creativity.

Be watching for the semi-finalists to be announced next month! For updates, stay connected with us on social media and visit our website.

Honoring Unsung Hero Mary Anning

Last week, the Lowell Milken Center welcomed guest speaker Megan Sims, Collection Manager of Vertebrate Paleontology at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum. Megan shared her expertise and insights in a presentation honoring Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter whose contributions transformed the field of paleontology.

To learn more about Mary Anning’s story and her lasting impact, → click here.

☀️ Summer Adventure Awaits at the Lowell Milken Center!

Looking for a fun and meaningful summer activity? Discover incredible Unsung Hero stories through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and our beautiful Lowell Milken Park.

📍 Location: 1 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS
📅 Perfect for families, friends, and history lovers!

✨ Plan your visit today: lowellmilkencenter.org
📞 (620) 223-1312

Who will you bring on your summer adventure? Tag them below! 👇

#UnsungHeroes #FamilyAdventure #SummerFun #FortScottKS #MuseumDay
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ArtEffect Certificate of Excellence Winners

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Presenting
2025 Certificate of Excellence Winners!
This newsletter spotlights 5 Certificate of Excellence awardees with projects honoring Unsung Heroes who made an impact on civil rights and social justice.
  • Michelle S. Lee (Grade 10) from Branksome Hall Asia in Seogwipo-si, South Korea, depicted the story of Claudette Colvin in her artwork The First to Stand, The First to Fight. Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, paving the way for the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
  • Charlize Holmes (Grade 11) from Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies in Plainfield, New Jersey, based her charcoal drawing A March To Remember on the story of Sheyann Webb. Webb was a young activist who marched for voting rights in Selma, Alabama.
  • Sophia Schlueter (Grade 12) from Brownell Talbot in Omaha, Nebraska, paid homage to Judy Heumann in her acrylic painting Power in Protest. Heumann was a pioneering disability rights advocate and helped secure key legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Yoonha Moon (Grade 10) from Seoul Foreign School in South Korea drew Journal of Justice: L. Alex Wilson in honor of the journalist. L. Alex Wilson courageously reported on civil rights struggles and was attacked while covering the Little Rock Nine in 1957.
  • Deepika Menon (Grade 9) from Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto, California, expressed the story of Inez Milholland in an oil painting on wood panel entitled How Long Must Women Wait for Liberty? Milholland was a suffragist who led marches and gave her life fighting for women’s right to vote.
A total of 23 young artists were awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the 2025 ARTEFFECT competition. View all 2025 Winners here.
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet 2024-2025 Ambassador Denise Webb, Visual Art Teacher at Pleasure Ridge High School in Louisville, KY.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. As the yearlong program comes to its end, Denise shared about using a choice-based approach in her lesson:

“Students overwhelmingly embraced the ARTEFFECT project, and 85% finished their artwork and completed their artist statements … Engagement was high because students were allowed to choose a hero that they connected with personally.“

Thank you to Denise and the students at Pleasure Ridge High School for your creativity and inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!
Read more about Denise’s capstone project

Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteffectlmc
X: https://x.com/arteffectlmc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arteffectlmc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arteffectlmc
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Ukrainian Unsung Hero Will be Revealed on July 24 at Lowell Milken Center

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Ukrainian Students and Teacher Will Participate in Online Unveiling of New Lowell Milken Center Exhibit

 

An exciting event will be happening at the Lowell Milken Center on Thursday, July 24th, at 10:00 a.m. and everyone is invited!

The Center will unveil their newest exhibit honoring Unsung Hero Oleksandra Shulehko!

The event will include a powerful Zoom with Ukrainian teacher and 2023 LMC Fellow Kateryna Molodyk and her high school students who discovered and researched Unsung Hero Oleksandra Shulehko’s story. Their ensuing project won the Lowell Milken International Discovery Award for 2024.

All visitors are welcome to join the Zoom at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes to honor the work of Ms. Molodyk and her students for the discovery of our latest unsung hero. This event also provides an excellent opportunity to learn from a Ukrainian teacher and students.

The program begins at 10:00 a.m. CDT (6:00 p.m. Ukrainian time) on Thursday, July 24th, at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott, KS.

This exhibit is sponsored by a grant from Kansas Tourism.

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

 

 

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

The ArtEffect 2025 Certificate of Excellence Winners!

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Presenting the
2025 Certificate of Excellence Winners!
A total of 23 young artists were awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the 2025 ARTEFFECT competition. These awardees found inspiration in Unsung Heroes from many different eras and professions.
This newsletter spotlights 7 of these Certificate of Excellence awardees who created remarkable artworks inspired by people who saved lives through their work in healthcare-related fields.

  • Mia McDowell (Grade 7) from West Middle School in Byron Center, Michigan, paid homage to Ens. Jane Kendeigh in a mixed media artwork on paper titled A Woman that Changed History. Kendeigh was the first U.S. Navy flight nurse to appear on an active battlefield in the Pacific.
  • Brandon Hanaoka (Grade 10) from Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, told Martin Couney’s story through his acrylic painting, Infant Eyes. Hanaoka was also a finalist in the 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition. Couney saved thousands of premature babies by caring for them in incubators displayed in sideshow exhibits.
  • Hrithika K. Sunil (Grade 11) from Sharjah Indian School in Sarjah, United Arab Emirates, looked to Kadambini Ganguly as the inspiration for her award-winning mixed-media work Kadambini Ganguly: In Her Hands. Ganguly was the first Indian-educated woman to become a doctor, and was also a social activist and one of India’s first female college graduates.
  • Lily Manoochehri Farr (Grade 7) from Bernardo Heights Middle School in San Diego, California, honored Mary Ann Bickerdyke in her mixed-media artwork The Life of Mary Bickerdyke. Bickerdyke was a Civil War nurse who revolutionized wartime medical care and built almost 300 field hospitals with the help of U.S. Sanitary Commission agents.
  • Yuhan Zhou (Grade 11) from Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington, used acrylic paint to render the story of Eugene Wilson Caldwell in The Price of Vision. Caldwell was an electrical engineer, physician and inventor credited with major developments in the science of diagnostic radiology.
  • Hari Jeon (Grade 10) from South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, painted These Are My Children in honor of Roslï Näf.
  • Tina Zhao (Grade 10) from Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, Washington, illustrated Cordelia Harvey’s story in her acrylic painting, Nurse Harvey’s War Time. Harvey was a compassionate First Lady of Wisconsin during the American Civil War, who dedicated herself to improving healthcare for wounded soldiers and establishing hospitals and relief organizations.
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Mary Morrow, Visual Arts Teacher at St. Clair County High School in Odenville, AL.

ARTEFFECT Ambassadors culminate their visual arts online fellowships with capstone projects that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here are some highlights from Mary’s project:

“This experience working with LMC and ARTEFFECT has reminded me of how important and crucial it is for teachers to be life-long learners. Not only did I enjoy learning about the life stories and heroic deeds of the LMC Unsung Heroes, but I also enjoyed having a front row seat watching my students have lightbulb glowing A-HA moments.”

Mary’s project was featured in an article from the St. Clair Times. Thank you to Mary and the students at St. Clair County High School for your creativity and inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!
Read more about Mary’s capstone project
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteffectlmc
X: https://x.com/arteffectlmc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arteffectlmc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arteffectlmc
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ArtEffects 2025 Spotlight Prize Awardees Highlighted

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Presenting the
2025 Spotlight Prize Awardees!
Twelfth grade student Claire Evans of Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded the $1,000 Spotlight Prize-Large Format for her mixed-media artwork Mary Anning: The Fossilist, which honors Unsung Hero Mary Anning, an English paleontologist and fossil collector born in 1799. “I can relate to her love of discovery, as well as her experience fossil hunting with her family,” Evans writes about her choice of hero in her Impact Statement.
View “Mary Anning: The Fossilist”
Eden Weathers, an 11th grade student at Harriton High School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, won the $1,000 Spotlight Prize-Sculpture/3D for the bronze crown they created in memory of ethnobotanist Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott entitled Aliʻi of the Algae: Crown of the Sea. Weathers writes in their Impact Statement, “I chose bronze to convey both strength and elegance, hoping to reflect the grace of a woman who spent her life sharing her culture and protecting our oceans.”
View “Aliʻi of the Algae: Crown of the Sea”
Twelfth grade student April Truong of Poway High School in Poway, California, also found inspiration in Dr. Abbott. “To represent her life’s dedication to the field, I drew two versions of her: young and old,” writes Truong in her Impact Statement about her digital artwork Limu and Her Lady of the Sea, which won a $1,000 Spotlight Prize-Unsung Hero.
View “Limu and Her Lady of the Sea”
Three students selected Unsung Heroes from World War II as the inspiration for their $1,000 Spotlight Prize-Unsung Hero projects. Xinyue (Emily) Ren, an 11th grade student at San Jose, California’s BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, made her mixed-media drawing, The Courage to Stand in Solidarity, in honor of Ralph Lazo. “His willingness to stand alongside those who were unjustly imprisoned, despite not being targeted himself, challenges me to step beyond my own silence and comfort,” she writes in her Impact Statement.
View “The Courage to Stand In Solidarity”
“I find his creativity and leadership inspirational,” writes ninth grade student Se-a (Lucy) Min from Seoul Scholars international in South Korea in her Impact Statement about Unsung Hero Andrew Jackson Higgins, the inspiration behind her painting, Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Higgins Boat.
View “Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Higgins Boat”
Elyn Tao, a 10th grade student at Concord Academy in Concord, Massachusetts, explains the inspiration behind her award-winning oil painting, A Comet Through the Dark: The Silent Light of De Jongh in her Impact Statement: “Andrée De Jongh was a war hero and remains one today. I chose her because her courage doesn’t belong in the past, but continues to grow with each passing moment.”
View “A Comet Through the Dark: The Silent Light of De Jongh”
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Mindy Sizemore, Visual Arts Teacher at Spring Mills High School in Martinsburg, WV.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. As the yearlong program comes to its end, Mindy shared about her capstone project. Here is an excerpt from her narrative:

“My goal for this project was for students to see that they can be a hero. Whether they lean into their passions and change the world in a big way like the LMC Unsung Heroes or they simply care for others in their life, they have the ability right NOW to make a positive change in the world.”

Thank you to Mindy and the students at Spring Mills High School for your creativity and inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!
Read more about Mindy’s capstone project
Congratulations to Mindy and her student, Isaiah Griffin (Grade 10) for being a finalist in the 2025 Competition! Isaiah’s project,Terry Fox, a graphite and colored pencil on paper drawing, focuses on Unsung Hero Terry Fox.

Photos courtesy of Mindy Sizemore.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteffectlmc
X: https://x.com/arteffectlmc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arteffectlmc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arteffectlmc
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Unsung Hero Mary Anning Will be Honored on July 10 at Lowell Milken Center

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The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes will host a presentation next Thursday, July 10th at 11:00 am to honor unsung hero Mary Anning!

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.

Megan Sim, Paleontologist, Kansas University Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum, will speak to the community about her work as the first female paleontologist hired at KU since 1898, and about the amazing dinosaur collection housed at the University.

This presentation is sponsored by a grant from EVERGY.

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

The Lowell Milken Center Records Over 5,000 Visitors in June 2025

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The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

FORT SCOTT, KS – July 3, 2025

June 2025 was a record-breaking month for attendance at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas. 5,004 visitors came to the Center during June, surpassing the past monthly record for the last 18 years with 2,437 visitors. Other records broken were the daily attendance, which reached a recorded high of 500 visitors on Saturday, June 2nd, and the weekly attendance, which ranked as an all-time high of 1,660 visitors during the third week of June 2025.

These record numbers brought visitors from all the surrounding areas, with many coming from other states throughout the United States. Significant events during June brought many people to the Lowell Milken Center and our community. The majority of visitors came to see the month-long Anne Frank exhibit, made possible by 2021 LMC Fellow and current Anne Frank Center Program Coordinator Megan Helberg, Other events that brought additional guests to the LMC included two weeks with the 2025 Lowell Milken Center’s team of Fellows and the 2025 FSHS All-Class Reunion, attended by many former Fort Scotians.

Along with the special events at the Lowell Milken Center and in the community, visitors were pleasantly surprised and moved to learn the stories of unsung heroes in history featured on the exhibits in the Center’s Hall of Heroes and the Lowell Milken Park. Many commented on this hidden treasure of history and its inspirational impact on lives. The LMC will continue to add new exhibits from student projects, showing the power of one person to effect positive change in the lives of others. Plans are also being explored to bring new and exciting events and special exhibits to the center in the future.

 

 

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ARTEFFECT Celebrates Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution

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ARTEFFECT Celebrates Unsung Heroes
of the American Revolution
To celebrate Independence Day, ARTEFFECT honors the Unsung Heroes of the American Revolutionary War through visual artworks. These award winning artworks celebrate the legacies of Unsung Heroes who fought for freedom. Sarah Bradlee Fulton, a fearless patriot known as the “Mother of the Boston Tea Party,” is depicted in Grace Li’s painting A Leader Beyond the Battlefield carrying a lantern to represent her leadership in guiding the vision for the Boston Tea Party. Anna Smith Strong was a courageous member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring and her legacy is illuminated by Makena Bryan’s quilt The First.

Happy Fourth of July!
Grace Li (Grade 9), A Leader Beyond the Battlefield, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24 in, Unsung Hero: Sarah Bradlee Fulton
Makena Bryan (Grade 8), The First, 2020, Quilt, 33 x 57 in, Unsung Hero: Anna Smith Strong
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through social media:
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For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

ARTEFFECT Celebrates Unsung Heroes
of the American Revolution
To celebrate Independence Day, ARTEFFECT honors the Unsung Heroes of the American Revolutionary War through visual artworks. These award winning artworks celebrate the legacies of Unsung Heroes who fought for freedom. Sarah Bradlee Fulton, a fearless patriot known as the “Mother of the Boston Tea Party,” is depicted in Grace Li’s painting A Leader Beyond the Battlefield carrying a lantern to represent her leadership in guiding the vision for the Boston Tea Party. Anna Smith Strong was a courageous member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring and her legacy is illuminated by Makena Bryan’s quilt The First.

Happy Fourth of July!
Grace Li (Grade 9), A Leader Beyond the Battlefield, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24 in, Unsung Hero: Sarah Bradlee Fulton
Makena Bryan (Grade 8), The First, 2020, Quilt, 33 x 57 in, Unsung Hero: Anna Smith Strong
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteffectlmc
X: https://x.com/arteffectlmc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arteffectlmc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arteffectlmc
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Presenting the 2025 ArtEffect Top Middle School Awardees

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Presenting the
2025 Top Middle School Awardees!
The recipient of the $2,000 Middle School Best in Show prize was eighth grade student Fuhan (Lila) Xue, who attends Chaparral Middle School in Diamond Bar, California. Lila chose Unsung Hero Oscar Howe as the inspiration for her digital artwork, Breaking the Chains by Brushstroke. “I wanted to capture Oscar Howe’s artistic energy and his fight for the change of prejudice and stereotypes. I created a digital painting showing him holding a brush, surrounded by broken chains and vibrant swirling colors. The broken chains represent the limitations and stereotypes he fought against. The swirling colors are inspired by Howe’s own works and style, symbolizing his creativity, courage, and cultural pride,” explains Lila. Read Lila’s full Impact Statement for more details about her vision for this project.
Congratulations, Lila Xue!
View “Breaking the Chains by Brushstroke”
Grace Zhang, an eighth grade student from Jericho Middle School in Long Island, New York, won the $1,000 Middle School Second Place prize for Bus Ride to Equality, a gouache painting that features Unsung Hero Irene Morgan. “Irene Morgan’s impact on the Civil Rights Movement has been overlooked but was very crucial, helping launch the Montgomery Bus Boycott and inspiring figures such as Rosa Parks to act against segregation,” writes Grace. Read Grace’s full Impact Statement for more about her use of symbolism in this project.
Congratulations, Grace Zhang!
View “Bus Ride to Equality”
Read all Impact Statements
2025 Winners and Finalists
Congratulations to all the 2025 Awardees and their sponsoring educators and guardians! The Impact Statements for the 2025 winners and finalists are now posted for each project on the ARTEFFECT Website. Read the Winners and Finalists to learn more about the inspiration of these young artists in choosing their Unsung Heroes as a roles models, and their artistic processes and creative interpretations.
View 2025 Winners
View 2025 Finalists
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Archana Kamani, Visual Arts Teacher at Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies in Plainfield, NJ.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. As the yearlong program comes to its end, Archana shared about her capstone project. Here is an excerpt from her narrative:

“For my capstone project, I developed and implemented a visual art lesson centered around the Unsung Heroes theme. The focus was on individuals who have made a significant impact on the world, yet whose stories are often left untold. Using ARTEFFECT resources, I designed a comprehensive, scaffolded curriculum that guided students through historical research, creative brainstorming, and artistic execution.”

Thank you to Archana and the students at Plainfield Academy for your creativity and inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!
Read more about Archana’s capstone project
Congratulations to Archana and her student, Charlize Holmes (Grade 11) for winning a Certificate of Excellence in the 2025 Competition! Charlize’s project, A March to Remember, a charcoal on paper drawing, focuses on Unsung Hero Sheyann Webb.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteffectlmc
X: https://x.com/arteffectlmc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arteffectlmc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arteffectlmc
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]