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 2^nd, 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.

2025 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City

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 22 – 27 were given the keys to the city on Tuesday, June 24th, by Lindsay Madison, Tourism and Chamber Director. (Six other Fellows were in Fort Scott last week.)

Upon the presentation of the keys, Madison said, “Fort Scott has a legacy of honoring heroes since the Fort was first established in 1842.  As each of you are presented with a key to the city of Fort
Scott, may it serve as a symbol that you are now part of the legacy as we recognize the extraordinary difference you are making in the lives of students. 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 as a 2025 Lowell Milken Fellow.”

The Fellows honored this week were Sandra Hutton from Canada, Jennifer Klein from Connecticut, Jordann Lankford-Forster (Bright Trail Woman) from Montana, Meredith Reid from Kansas, Brian
Skinner from Kansas, and Graeme Stacey 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.

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.