This is part of a series of

2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Sandra Hutton, a junior and middle school art educator at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville, ON, Canada. Sandra will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd 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.

Sandra Hutton, a visual arts educator with experience teaching Grades 1–12, has made a meaningful impact through creative programming and arts leadership. Recognized as an ArtEffect Ambassador in 2023–24, she has guided many students to become finalists in the ArtEffect Competition and successfully proposed the addition of Terry Fox to the Lowell Milken Center’s list of Unsung Heroes.

With experience in both public and independent schools, Sandra previously served as a Curriculum Chairperson and Guidance Counsellor at schools in the Toronto District School Board. At her current school, she has twice served as a staff representative on the Strategic Planning Committee and led initiatives, including founding a Student Arts Council, set design for school productions, and gala art fundraising projects. She has also contributed to teacher education as a guest lecturer at the university level. Outside the classroom, Sandra is a practicing artist and founder of Art Immersion, a company focused on original artwork, blogging, and creative content that explores visual storytelling and process.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Sandra’s experience as a Lowell Milken Center National ARTEFFECT Ambassador and her participation in unsung heroes’ projects are invaluable resources for our team of Fellows. Her belief that art tells a story and connects people and communities supports the LMC’s mission of connecting unsung heroes throughout history with the impact they can have on our world today.”

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.

This is part of a series on

2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Graeme Stacey, a history teacher at Kelowna Secondary School in Kelowna, B.C., Canada. Graeme will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd 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.

Graeme Stacey, a 2015 U.S. Holocaust Museum Teacher Fellow, teaches ­­­­high school classes in Genocide, Holocaust, and History in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. In his classes and school community, he strives to create a joy for learning and to make a difference in students’ lives. He believes students can succeed when a positive rapport is established between the teacher and student. This relationship fosters engagement, helps spark curiosity, encourages the asking of questions, and stirs motivation. His measured and pedagogical leadership is a continuum, putting into practice relevant and “lifelong” learning with professional development experiences abroad that have inspired him to create meaningful learning environments for his students.

Graeme is at the forefront of social studies education within his school, district, and province. He has received national awards from the Government of Canada, Citizenship Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada and has been a pioneer in Holocaust education since the early 2000s. His work became a driving force in shaping the study of Genocide 12 for students in British Columbia. Graeme has served as past President of the Central Okanagan Social Studies Teachers Association, past Vice President of the B.C. Social Studies Professional Association, was an integral member of the inaugural Canadian Museum for Human Rights Teachers’ Advisory Circle, and was recognized through USHMM, Yad Vashem, and the Seattle Holocaust Center.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Graeme’s passion for teaching his students the importance of personal and social responsibility has sparked important curriculum reforms in the approach to Holocaust and genocide education. Graeme will inspire our 2025 team of Fellows to help students explore their own values and develop Unsung Heroes projects that support those goals.”

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.

This is part of a series of

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 Brian Skinner, a high school special education educator and IEP trainer for the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative in Newton, KS. Brian will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd 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.

Brian Skinner, a ­­­­special education teacher from Newton, Ks, was recognized in 2023 as Kansas Teacher of the Year. He is also a 2024 NEA Foundation Teaching Excellence recipient and an NEA Board Member. He regularly spends his time advocating for special education and the public education profession.

Within his school, some of Skinner’s additional roles have included serving as the Project SEARCH case manager, department chair, scholars’ bowl coach, and co-teaching trainer. Skinner says, “Working with students across such a wide spectrum helps him to understand all students better and have a larger impact in helping to build a positive school culture.”

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Brian is a leader among his peers, a significant catalyst in expanding co-teaching programs that involve all students across a broad spectrum. His insight will provide a valuable tool for our 2025 Fellows in seeking to include students of all abilities in the research and development of unsung heroes’ 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.

AARP Awards Grant to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes as Part of Nationwide Program to Strengthen Communities

Cimarron, KS – American Association for Retired People today announced that the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Ft. Scott, Kansas has received a $9,500 2025 Community Challenge grant, as part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.

The money will be used to add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park in Fort Scott, Kansas. These panels will feature stories of William Matthews, Mary Ann Bickerdyke, and Chester Nez, and will include QR codes for translation into any language.

“AARP Kansas is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas state president “The Unsung Heroes Park project will bring real improvement by featuring stories of important Kansans. We’re excited to see this come to life.”

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded 427,00 through 35 grants in Kansas since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

This is part of a series on

 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Meredith Reid, a middle and high school choral music educator at Girard public schools in Girard, KS. Meredith will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd 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.

Meredith Reid, a choir teacher from Girard, KS, was recognized in January 2025 as a Kansas Milken Educator. The choir program was nearly non-existent when Meredith was a student at Girard High School. When she returned to her alma mater as an educator, she re-established the choir program, where students now have opportunities to succeed at state-level contests and are accepted into many different honor choirs.

Outside of her classroom, Meredith is an active member of her community, both locally and beyond. She serves as the Kansas Choral Directors Association Secretary and Kansas Music Educators Southeast District President-Elect. She is also an officer in the Girard P.E.O. chapter. In the last three years, she has developed a community choir, “Generations,” which reflects her goals of sustaining music as a lifelong passion for all ages.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Meredith has re-established and rebuilt the choral music program at Girard Middle and High Schools, making them both successful and award-winning programs. With her previous experience and knowledge of unsung heroes, she has begun plans for unique ways of developing projects with her students.”

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 2025 National Fellowship to 6 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, each of the six fellows for June 15 – 20 was given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 17^th, by Lindsay Madison, Tourism and Chamber Director. (Six more Fellows will arrive on June 22^nd.)

Upon presenting the keys, Madison said, “On behalf of the City of Fort Scott and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, it is our honor to welcome you to our community. The tradition of presenting a key to a city represents the highest expression of civic gratitude and trust, honoring outstanding impact through leadership and service. As Lowell Milken Fellows, you are transforming lives into not just what students know but in who they become. Through Unsung Hero projects, you inspire students to gain purpose and vision to grow into stars of the future. May the key serve as a lasting reminder of Fort Scott’s appreciation for your dedication and impact.”

The Fellows honored this week were Theresa Cantwell from New York, Valerie Conklin from ­­­­New York, Alex Lahasky from Kansas, Meghan Menchella from Missouri, Kelly Ryan from Louisiana, and Jay Weisman from Louisiana. 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.

This is part of a series of

2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in

Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious

Fellowship to Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman), an Indigenous Education for All instructional coach and educator at Great Falls Public Schools in Great Falls, MT. Jordann will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd 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.

Jordann Lankford-Forster, an Indigenous Education for All instructional coach and teacher from Great Falls, MT, has been honored to receive the Montana Indigenous Teacher of the Year Award and named the 2022 Montana History Teacher of the Year. Due largely to Jordann’s leadership, American Indian Studies is a popular subject at Paris Gibson Education Center and encourages students to learn about historical, cultural, and contemporary information concerning American Indian people.

Jordann also assists other educators within her district and state in embedding cultural content into their classrooms and learning spaces. She serves as the Chairwoman of the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education, the President of the Potlatch Fund, and a Montana representative for the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We are so excited to have Jordann, our first Fellow from Montana, as part of the Lowell Milken Center Fellowship. As an award-winning instructional coach for Indigenous Education, she brings a unique cultural perspective and will be a valuable resource for the discovery of many new Unsung Heroes.”

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.

This is part of a series of

 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Jennifer Barletto Klein, a high school social studies teacher at Weston High School in Weston, CT. Jennifer will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd 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.

Jennifer Barletto Klein, a social studies teacher at Weston High School in Weston, CT, received international recognition from Yad Vashem in 2023 and was selected as a 2024 Auschwitz-Birkenau Fellow. She strives to cultivate a reflective classroom environment, encouraging students to participate in open discussions and develop critical thinking skills. She teaches both in a traditional classroom setting, including at the AP level, and in an alternative educational program that provides students with smaller class sizes and a more supportive environment. She is an advisor to the Jewish Student Union and has been involved in programming to combat antisemitism and hate.

In recent years, Jennifer has been particularly engaged in Holocaust education and participated in a Holocaust education program with Echoes and Reflections at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem and traveled to Warsaw, Krakow, and Auschwitz-Birkenau as part of her fellowship. Her semester-long course, Facing History and Ourselves, which examines the Holocaust through a sociological lens, has been deeply enriched by her scholarly pursuits and international experiences.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Jennifer is a trailblazer in Holocaust Education, receiving national recognition by Yad Vashem. Her passion for engaging students with history and its impact on current times ties in with the mission of the Lowell Milken Center. Jennifer will be a great resource for our Fellows seeking to help students create connections between unsung heroes from the past and their own roles in the world today.”

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.

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.

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 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Jay Weisman, a geometry and statistics teacher at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, LA. Jay 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.

Jay Weisman, a 2021 Louisiana Milken Educator, makes students eager to learn, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to his math and social studies classes at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans. Whether assembling proofs in geometry or hosting a “King Cake Caucus” in AP Government, his engaging, collaborative classroom fosters student participation and reflection. His approach has led to impressive results, with his geometry students consistently achieving over 95% mastery, and 83% of his AP Government students passing the AP exam.

Beyond the classroom, Weisman is deeply involved in his school community, serving as math department chair and regularly organizing events like an incoming student welcome week and announcing at events like football games and graduation. He has coordinated ACT prep programs, successfully pushed for the creation of a testing coordinator position, and has supported his colleagues as a member of the inaugural Instruction Cohort.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Jay’s creative and enthusiastic approach to teaching geometry and statistics while incorporating project-based learning will bring a new dimension to our 2025 Fellowship. We look forward to learning from Jay about little-known heroes in the field of mathematics who have had a significant impact on our lives today.”

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.

This is a series on the

 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Kelly Ryan, an AP environmental science and chemistry teacher at Northshore High School in Slidell, LA. Kelly 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.

Ryan was honored to receive the 2023 Louisiana Milken Educator Award. Her dedication to academic excellence shines through her meticulously structured, standards-based approach, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ryan’s goal is not just to impart knowledge but to empower students to think independently, navigate challenges, and make informed decisions throughout their lives.

​​Through a partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), Ryan is an active member of her school’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), which drives professional development and support on campus. She also serves as the science department chair, head of the school’s ACT committee, and member of the district’s ACT committee. In 2024, the district achieved the highest ACT scores among all public-school districts in Louisiana. Ryan is also the coach of two award-winning robotics teams and is the advisor of National Honor Society.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly encourages her students in collaborative scientific exploration. By incorporating project-based learning, the students become adept at analytical reasoning and higher-order thinking skills. With the importance of scientific fields of discovery throughout history, Kelly’s knowledge of unsung heroes within these fields will bring to light many new unsung heroes for our Fellows to research with their students.”

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.