Category Archives: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
Lowell Milken Fellows (Round Two)
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Those in Fort Scott from June 23 to 28
Sarah Espinal
Sarah Espinal, a 2023 Discovery Award Winner, is a social studies teacher at Jericho Middle School and High School in New York. Since Sarah is bilingual, she has been able to interact more deeply with students. She wants her students to be deeply informed about their learning and encourages historical thinking. Her emphasis on the importance of identifying the bias and credibility of sources helps her students learn to make informed decisions in life.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “As an ENL social studies teacher, Sarah has used her fluency in both English and Spanish to interact with a diverse group of students. She has guided them in developing many award-winning National History Day projects. Her outstanding skills in project development will be a welcomed resource for the 2024 LMC Fellowship.”
Bibba Kahn
Bibba Kahn, a middle school French and Spanish educator in Montpelier, is the 2020 Vermont Teacher of the Year. She believes that learning a new language begins with valuing people from different cultures and backgrounds who may or may not be similar. To value every individual is a skill Bibba feels is essential in our world today. She gives her students many real-world experiences with language and bases her success as an educator on the success of her students’ learning.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Bibba’s love for learning drives her enthusiasm to share knowledge with her students. Through her global travel and teaching experiences, she seeks to reach students of all diversities, valuing their cultural differences. Our 2024 team of Fellows will be fortunate to learn much from Bibba’s vast knowledge base.”
Leah Lawrence
Leah Lawrence, a middle school English Language Arts educator in St. Charles, MO, is the 2023 Missouri Milken Educator. Whether it’s the use of Play-Doh relating to the steps of the writing process or flyswatters that “swat” away errors, Leah’s creative instructional strategies keep her students engaged in their learning and foster their desire to reach their educational goals. Her adaptability in the classroom helps every level of learner have the opportunity to meet with success.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Leah is a gifted educator whose creatively designed lessons pique her students’ interest and motivate them to reach their educational goals. Our staff and the team of 2024 Fellows look forward to the innovative ideas and engaging instructional strategies she has to share.”
Ashley LIbben
Ashley Libben, a 2016 U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Fellow, is a middle school English Language Arts educator in Ligonier, IN. Libben’s use of project-based learning with her eighth-grade students reached a more profound level when her language arts instruction included the teaching of The Diary of Anne Frank. Her students’ interest in the Holocaust grew and ignited questions for which she didn’t have answers. Their interest led her to research answers to their questions and to do more profound research for her own growth in knowledge.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ashley’s use of a project-based learning curriculum helps her students become adept in research and writing skills while making personal connections with the historical figures whose stories they share. I am confident her experiences will inspire our 2024 team of Fellows.”
Matthew Mayeske
Matthew Mayeske, a 2023 Kansas Milken Educator, is a high school social studies teacher in Gardner, KS. His world history and geography classes come alive for his ninth and tenth-grade students through the integration of real-world scenarios with collaborative, inquiry-based instruction. In yearlong roleplaying games, students create characters and participate in simulation activities. They can also immerse themselves in a French Revolution simulation, a strategy-style conflict activity to illustrate WWI diplomacy or a study of interactive maps using GIS technology. Every strategy transforms his classes into vibrant learning experiences.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Matthew’s students benefit from his unique ability to transform his social studies classes into dynamic experiences with hands-on learning skills. These experiences can be a springboard to his students’ development of Unsung Hero projects and models for our 2024 Fellows in their own classrooms.”
Kelly Steffen
Kelly Steffen, a 2019 Gilder Lehrman Iowa History Teacher of the Year, is a high school social studies teacher in Vinton, IA. She is a master at engaging her students through relevance and the use of primary sources, encouraging students to draw their conclusions about history’s impact on their lives. Kelly hopes students learn that history can help them as citizens to make informed decisions in today’s world. This summer, Kelly will also attend the NEH Heart Mountain Seminar to learn more about the effects of Japanese Internment/Incarceration, another powerful resource for her students.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly’s students are well-versed in the vision of our country’s founders. She emphasizes the use of primary sources for her students’ hands-on projects that focus on the people who shaped our nation. Our 2024 Fellows will be able to use her insight to help their students develop informative Unsung Hero projects.”
Ann Marie Vanneste
Ann Marie Vanneste, a Civics, Careers, Religion, and Learning Strategies educator from Kanata, Ontario, was awarded the prestigious 2023 Canada’s Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence National Recipient. She was the recipient of the 2023 Director of Education Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Canada. Ann Marie is also a 2024 Women Of Courage Award recipient, presented by The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Devoted to inclusion in education, she wants students to know that someone is rooting for them and their success. She helps her students cultivate pride in their individual cultural places in the world and helps them identify their unique cultural strengths.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ann Marie’s enthusiasm, along with a teaching approach dedicated to inclusion, has made her students realize their valuable places in this world. All of them are encouraged to reach high levels of learning. The motivating and inspiring projects her students have experienced will be a catalyst for ideas and collaboration with this year’s team of LMC Fellows.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
2024 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 five fellows for June 16 – 21 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 18th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five more Fellows will arrive on June 23rd.) Upon presenting the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “The students who participate in Unsung Hero projects are changed for life. They become the stars of the future! You, as teachers, do the same. You change lives, and you are our stars because of that. We sincerely welcome you to Fort Scott and as a small token of our appreciation for the work you do, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”
The Fellows honored this week were Aaron Kruger from Wyoming, Erica Quale from North Dakota, John Rosenbaum from Rhode Island, Michael Sandstrom from Nebraska, and Kelly Sheridan from Idaho. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “It is an honor to be able to network and collaborate with these exceptional educators and provide this opportunity for them to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
Annual Lowell Milken Fellows (Round One) Are In Town
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowships to selected educators who will arrive in Fort Scott on June 16th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
The following are the fellows at the Center this week:
Aaron Kruger
Aaron Kruger, a history teacher from Cheyenne, WY, was recognized in 2021 as a Wyoming Milken Educator. History is a popular subject at Cheyenne Central High School, as Aaron empowers his students to succeed and excel by fostering open discussion and critical thinking skills. His students consistently surpass state and global pass rates on the AP History exams.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Aaron brings history to life for his students through primary source documentation and roleplaying exercises. His leadership skills and expertise in collaborative decision-making will be positive assets to share with our 2024 team of Fellows. We look forward to great Unsung Hero projects from Aaron’s students.”
Erica Quale, an 8th-grade social studies teacher from Bismarck, ND, received the 2021 Milken Educator Award for North Dakota. She works to make U.S. history relevant to her students’ lives through project-based learning, using historical resources and knowledge to establish those connections. From student-led history lessons shared with elementary students to interactive classroom discussions on civic responsibilities, her students become involved and engaged learners. Their high scores on North Dakota’s Eighth Grade Civics exam validate the positive learning experiences in her classroom.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Erica’s use of project-based learning makes history relevant for her students. Her students become so knowledgeable about their projects they can then share the content with elementary students. Erica’s use of such unique learning experiences makes her a valuable asset to our 2024 team of Fellows.”
John Rosenbaum
John Rosenbaum, a middle school social studies teacher from Central Falls, RI, was honored as the 2021 Rhode Island Milken Educator. Through many hands-on learning experiences, John has made history come alive for his students. His relatable approach to learning has met with great success, as eighth-graders from his school outperform state averages in literacy and enter high school well-prepared for higher-level work.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “As an outstanding and innovative middle school teacher, John collaborates with colleagues to design hands-on learning experiences that impart knowledge and create memories for his students. His strong background in project-based learning and social studies will be an important motivator for project development within our 2024 team of Fellows.”
Michael Sandstrom
Michael Sandstrom, a high school civics and history teacher in Chadron, NE, was honored as the 2019 Gilder Lehrman Nebraska History Teacher of the Year, just one of the many prestigious awards he has received. His strong belief in the importance of civic competence and historical knowledge has guided his teaching style, leading to many positive outcomes for his students. Using local historical resources, students can connect their past to the national issues facing them today.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Michael has a strong belief in the power of history to make the past relevant for his students and to provide a connection to their future. His adept use of primary and secondary sources will provide a valuable resource for the team of 2024 Fellows.”
Kelly Sheridan
Kelly Sheridan, a 2023 Idaho Milken Educator, is the Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Idaho Falls’ Compass Academy, a project-based 9-12 magnet school. As the school’s former art teacher, Kelly has positively impacted the campus climate by incorporating art into the core curriculum and serving as an instructional leader. Having both classroom and leadership experience has made Kelly a valuable role model for students and teachers.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly has had a profound effect on her school climate, developing trusted relationships and implementing professional development focused on research-based instructional strategies. Her collaborative efforts and expertise with project-based learning will be a perfect fit for the mission of the Center and its work with the 2024 Fellows.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
New Exhibits on Two Women Pioneers at Lowell Milken Center
Lowell Milken Center Unveils New Exhibit Panels
On June 26, 2024, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes will be unveiling exhibit panels featuring two new Unsung Heroes. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. inside the Center’s Hall of Heroes, revealing new exhibits honoring Dr. Christine Grant, the University of Iowa’s first director of women’s intercollegiate athletics. She was a national pioneer and voice in the fight for gender equity in athletics, significantly impacting the implementation of Title IX. The second honoree will be Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American doctor in the United States, a champion for her people’s well-being, and a powerful role model for Native Americans and women in medicine.
Featured VIPs will include nationally recognized teachers and their students, whose award-winning projects share the stories of these heroes. Suzy Turner, teacher and 2022 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow from Iowa, and Kadence Huck, one of the three students whose research uncovered the story of Unsung Hero Dr. Christine Grant, will be present to reveal their project. Those attending who researched and discovered Unsung Hero Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte will be student Madison Glidden and her teacher, 2021 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow Megan Helberg from Nebraska.
Additional VIP guests will be Susan Picotte, the great-granddaughter of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, and Susan’s niece, Holly. Honored VIPs representing Dr. Christine Grant will be her niece, Andrea Weiss, and Grant’s best friend and former colleague from the University of Iowa, Peg Burke. Other honored guests will include the new 2024 Lowell Milken Center National Fellowship members, former National Lowell Milken Center Fellows Carly Bowden and Jennifer Farr, as well as family members and guests of the award-winning students and teachers.
Everyone interested is invited to join us on June 26th at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the extraordinary lives of our two new unsung heroes, who have profoundly impacted history.
These new exhibits are made possible through a 2024 Attraction Development Grant awarded to the Lowell Milken Center from Kansas Tourism. The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.
International 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition Awards: Over $26,000 Awarded to Visual Art Projects
International 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition Awards
20 middle and high school students recognized for visual art projects celebrating Unsung Heroes from history
VIEW THE 2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS
FORT SCOTT, KS — The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) has named 20 winners in the 9th annual ARTEFFECT competition. The international competition invited students in grades 6-12 to explore and champion the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes—individuals who took heroic actions that made a positive and profound impact on the course of history.
Students creatively interpreted the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes through original works of art accompanied by artist impact statements. In total, $26,250 in cash prizes were awarded to 20winners across the middle and high school divisions.
Rachel Han, an 11th grade student at Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington, earned the $6,000 Grand Prize.
“ARTEFFECT is a robust opportunity for students to explore the stories of Unsung Heroes as role models as well as the power of artmaking,” said ARTEFFECT Director Dr. Toni Guglielmo. “Asstudents develop their artworks and impact statements, they also experience how theythemselves can make a positive difference by creatively interpreting and sharing these inspiringstories with others through their visual art projects.”
Han’s charcoal and pastel drawing Visions of Light depicts Unsung Hero Karl Ernst von Baer, a19th century Prussian-Estonian scientist who laid the foundation for modern comparativeembryology. Struck by Baer’s intellectual curiosity and enduring quest for knowledge, Hancreates a drawing that depicts the rigorous and wondrous nature of scientific observation. “In this piece, I wanted to incorporate Baer’s primary method of discovery, focused on theprinciples of patience and perseverance, which was through careful observation of naturalphenomena around him,” Han writes in her impact statement.
“The award-winning ARTEFFECT artworks are exceptional in their integration of the Unsung Heroes stories and artistic skills,” said LMC Chief Executive Officer Norm Conard. “Our team at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes applauds the creativity of these student champions and the excellence of their work.”
The $3,000 High School Best in Show prize was awarded to Katelyn Lowe, an 11th grade student at George Washington High School in Charleston, West Virginia. “As a biracial female teenager, it did not take too long to decide on Jackie Ormes as my Unsung Hero. As a self-taught artist, I was mesmerized by her artwork in the Torchy Brown in Dixie to Harlem comic strip and the Patty-Jo ‘n’ Ginger cartoons,” writes Lowe. “As the first Black woman cartoonist published in newspapers, she portrayed the actual issues of racial segregation and discrimination in real- time.” In A Woman Ahead of Her Time, Lowe incorporates Ormes’ comics as the background forstriking graphite portraits of the artist.
Winning the $2,000 High School Second Place prize was Sophia Cabalfin, a 12th grade student at San Dimas High School in California. Her watercolor painting, Blossoming of New Life, honors the story of Aiko Herzig-Yoshinaga, a Japanese American political activist whose advocacy and research played a fundamental role in securing reparations for fellow survivors of World War II internment camps. Cabalfin’s impact statement discusses the personal dimension of this project: “Not only did it influence my desire to want to learn more about my culture, but it also influenced my desire to become more active in Asian American activism.”
The recipient of the $2,000 Middle School Best in Show prize was eighth grade student Chuheng Lou from Jericho Middle School in New York. In an oil painting entitled School trip to visit Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig’s portrait in the Metropolitan Museum of Art
, Lou imagines a future where Dr. Helen Taussig, the founder of pediatric cardiology, is commemorated in the art on display at a major museum. The research process did not just help Lou learn about Taussig’s advancements in cardiology; the artist’s impact statement notes: “[Taussig’s] story also inspired me and taught me about perseverance and how important it is to help others.”
Jordyn Sledge, an eighth grade student at Ida B. Wells Academic and Performing Arts Complex in Jackson, Mississippi, won the $1,000 Middle School Second Place prize for Heartstrings Unraveled. The mixed-media artwork celebrates Unsung Hero Dr. Vivien Thomas, whose personal relevance to Sledge informed the creative process. Thomas changed the medical field through transformative work in cardiovascular surgery despite being unable to earn a formal medical degree and having his research go uncredited by other surgeons who depended on his findings. “The story of Vivien Thomas is one that speaks to me because my mother is an African-American doctor and my sister is working to be a physical therapist,” Sledge writes. “Neither of them would have been able to attain these positions if not for the work of Dr. Thomas.” Sledge used a host of materials and processes—including painting, embroidery, and woodburning—to assemble a multifaceted portrait of this inspiring individual.
Four students received a $1,000 Spotlight Prize. Benjamin Gu, a sixth grade student from Kerrisdale Elementary School in Vancouver, Canada, won a Spotlight Prize for Finding Links from Tracks, a Kandinsky-inspired mixed-media portrait of astrophysicist Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.
Lambert High School ninth grade student Cailyn Yoon of Suwanee, Georgia, received the award for Shadows of War, a graphite drawing inspired by the story of Chester Nez, one of the “First Twenty-Nine” Navajo Code Talkers in World War II.
An Unwavering Spirit—painted by 11th grade student Sarah Kang from Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, New Jersey—depicts the story of educator and civil rights advocate Autherine Lucy Foster.
Elizabeth Jennings Graham, also an educator and civil rights activist, was the inspiration for My Right to Ride, an acrylic painting by 10th grade student Cailyn Choi of Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington.
From a highly competitive pool of finalists, eleven other student artists received a $750
Certificate of Excellence in recognition of the superior aesthetic and conceptual quality of their submissions.
Certificate of Excellence awardees Kelly Kullman and Moheb Asimi, both members of the Savannah Arts Academy 2024 graduating class, selected ichthyologist Dr. Eugenie Clark and
Islamic Golden Age mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi as the inspiration for their respective projects. Kullman’s etching, “Squalus clarkae”, depicts Dr. Clark engrossed in her fieldwork studying a shark. In Asimi’s mixed-media work, Completing the Square, al- Khwarizmi stares up at a golden square in the sky, “watching his own mathematical treatises successfully unfold before his eyes, surrounded by a large audience who also watches alongsidehim in awe while the rays cast a shine on their clothes,” reads Asimi’s impact statement.
Two California 11th grade students also earned Certificates of Excellence for their artworks:
Hannah Yee from Anaheim’s Esperanza High School and Callie Lonowski from Brea Olinda High School. Yee’s drawing, Sword of Injustice, explores the life of Corky Lee, a Chinese American activist who documented the lives of Asian American communities through his photographs.Lonowski’s Residing Within the Stars: Eugene Shoemaker is a colorful mixed-media portrait that depicts significant moments in astrogeologist Gene Shoemaker’s life.
In crafting A Hero Holding A Syringe Not a Gun, Minjae Kim, an 11th grade student at North London Collegiate School Jeju in South Korea’s Jeju Province, uses graphite and watercolor to reflect on the heroic life of Eugene Lazowski, a doctor who saved 8,000 Jews during the Holocaust. Sister Matylda Getter, a Polish Catholic nun who saved hundreds of Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto, inspired Dyne Kim, a 10th grade student from Seoul International School in Seongnam-si, South Korea, to render Getter’s heroic acts with gouache and graphite in In The Arms Of Hope.
Alyssa Knapper, an 11th grade student at Coweta High School in Oklahoma also earned a Certificate of Excellence for an artwork inspired by a WWII hero. Knapper interpreted the life of
Irena Sendler, who saved 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto, through a mixed- media sculpture entitled Jar Of The Known Truth. Evelin Jimenez—a Claremore High School 11th grade student in Oklahoma—looked to Elizabeth Catlett, a Black and Mexican American artist, for inspiration. In Sculpting Justice, Jimenez pays tribute to the colors, materials, and social justice advocacy that shaped Catlett’s career.
Certificate of Excellence winner Jewel Feng uses watercolor to paint Sir Nicholas Winton – The Man with 6,000 Descendants, which celebrates Sir Nicholas Winton, the Jewish children he saved during the Holocaust, and those children’s current and future descendants. Feng, an 11th grade student at Jericho High School, is the second student from Jericho Union Free School District to win a 2024 ARTEFFECT award. San Dimas High School, another learning community with two 2024 ARTEFFECT awardees, is the school of 11th grade student Vanessa Hoyt, who was recognized for Martin A. Couney’s Show, an acrylic portrait of an Unsung Hero whose life-saving advancements in neonatal technology were displayed in carnival and amusement park sideshows.
Jimin Lee, an 11th grade student from Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon, was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence for The Voice That Broke Them Free. Lee uses a blend of colored pencil, digital drawing, and digital collage to craft a poignant portrait of Kim Hak-Sun, a South Korean survivor and advocate who broke the silence surrounding the issue of “comfort women,” speaking out about the sexual enslavement of Korean women by the Japanesemilitary during World War II.
The ARTEFFECT judging panel consisted of LMC’s executive leadership as well as visual arts experts at the Skirball Cultural Center, CalArts, Museum of Ventura County, and ArtCenterCollege of Design. Award winners receive cash prizes and their projects showcased on LMC’s website, listed along with their sponsoring teachers. Award-winning artworks are displayed in LMC’s Hall of Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, and will be featured in future exhibitions.
The next ARTEFFECT competition will open for submissions in November 2024. Visit the
ARTEFFECT website for more information.
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About ARTEFFECT: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
Established in 2016, ARTEFFECT is an expanding arts education initiative that includes an annual
student art competition, professional development offerings, and exhibitions. ARTEFFECT invites
learners and their communities to engage with the stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes—
individuals who took heroic actions that made a positive and profound impact on the course of
history. These diverse stories span the centuries and cut across multiple disciplines including
STEAM, social justice, the environment, wartime history, and education. Each year, hundreds of
students in grades 6-12 from around the world build their creative and critical thinking skills by
crafting visual art submissions for the competition. Launched in 2023, the ARTEFFECT
Ambassadors online fellowship offers a learning community for educators who are committed to
fostering the visual arts through teaching and learning around the stories of the LMC Unsung
Heroes. The yearlong fellowship provides professional development and curricular resources to
support Ambassadors in deepening their instructional practice and completing a capstone
project in their classrooms and communities. The ARTEFFECT initiative affirms the message that
one person has the power to make a positive and profound difference in the lives of others.
Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter May 2024
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May 2024 Volume 3 |
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Lowell Milken Center Buzzes with Field Trip Excitement |
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This spring, the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) has been a hive of activity. As the school year draws to a close, LMC has become a favored destination for field trips among local schools. Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed hundreds of students, teachers, and chaperones, each eager to explore and learn. The center’s vibrant programs and engaging exhibits continue to inspire and educate visitors, making every trip a memorable adventure. |
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Discovery Award Updates |
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Discover Heroes, Win Big: 2024 Discovery Award Competition Now Open! The 2024 Discovery Award Competition has officially launched, presenting an extraordinary opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to win a share of $25,000 in prizes. This competition, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, is designed to encourage young learners to uncover and highlight the stories of unsung heroes who have made a significant impact yet remain largely unrecognized. Competition Details
This is not just a contest; it’s a chance to integrate real-world research and storytelling into your curriculum, making history come alive for students. Encourage your students to participate and possibly win big by exploring the lives and legacies of unsung heroes and role models who have impacted history and shaped our world. For more information and to enter the competition, visit here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] |
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ARTEFFECT Updates |
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The 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition received a record-breaking number of entries! We extend our gratitude to all participating students and their teachers. Awardees will be announced on June 3. Stay tuned! |
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Fellows News and Updates |
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The LMC Fellowship unites top educators for a prestigious, merit-based professional development opportunity with high standards of excellence, output and benefits. Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. The LMC Fellowship provides educators with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize and strategize. Fellows receive personal attention from our dedicated team of educational experts and time to network and collaborate with their exemplary peers. The program strengthens educators’ ability to facilitate student ownership over projects and to help their students develop skills in critical thinking, research, analysis and application. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world. |
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“The Lowell Milken Center has connected me with some of the most outstanding teachers from across the United States and the world. These connections push me to be a better teacher. The Discovery Award project has become one of my favorite project-based learning activities to use with students. These projects create connections to people and events in history that have a lasting impact on not only the students that create them but everyone that sees their project.” Lindsey Dowell, LMC Fellow 2017- KS |
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Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6-10,but at the LMC we celebrate teachers everyday! |
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“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats. This year, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes celebrates our dedicated LMC Fellows and all the remarkable educators worldwide! Discover more about our impactful Fellows program here. |
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LMC News and Updates |
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We were honored to welcome Madison Glidden, the 2023 National Discovery Award-winning student from Taylor, Nebraska, to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! She was accompanied by her teacher, Megan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, and Dan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, along with Discovery Award project-maker Gracey Rodocker. The group enjoyed a tour of our center and then began the work of contributing to the development of a new exhibit honoring Susan LaFlesche-Picotte. Madison’s award-winning documentary on Dr. LaFlesche-Picotte is a powerful testament to her dedication and passion for recognizing unsung heroes. View the documentary and learn more about Susan LaFlesche-Picotte’s inspiring legacy. |
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April 17th was the unveiling of our new Pavel Weiner exhibit, which recounts his remarkable story of survival at the Terezin Concentration camp through his bond with his roommates. An informative presentation about Terezin by the Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Jessica Rockhold, provided many additional details about Pavel’s experience. Pavel and his roommates called themselves “Nesharim,” which in Hebrew translates to “Eagles.” To honor the name of these brave young men, our unique attraction for the day was a visit by Operation Wildlife’s Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle and their handlers. It was easy to see why these majestic birds were chosen to represent the dreams of the boys at Terezin. The attendance for these events was record-setting, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Pavel, learning about Terezin, and experiencing the spirit of the eagles. The presence and support of our community members truly make these events worthwhile. |
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We invite you to the grand unveiling of our newest exhibits at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! Join us on June 26th at 3:00 PM for an inspiring afternoon as we celebrate the stories of two new heroes who have changed the world behind the scenes. Date: June 26 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes These exhibits promise to move, inspire, and challenge you. Don’t miss out on the chance to dive into the extraordinary lives of unsung heroes who have made a profound impact. We hope to see you there! |
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Raptors Are Coming To Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
Once again, EVERGY has awarded the Lowell Milken Center with a Community Impact grant for $1,500 to bring a Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle from Operation Wildlife (OWL) to Fort Scott, Kansas.
The “Raptor Birds” presentations will honor the Unsung Hero and Holocaust survivor Pavel Weiner. Pavel was a teenage boy who survived the Terezin Concentration camp by writing in his diary and helping to create 10 secret magazines about his and his roommates’ experiences in Terezin. These magazines were later used at the Nuremberg Trials. The young men called themselves “Nesharim” which in Hebrew mean “Eagles!”
The event is planned for Wednesday, April 17th, at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Pavel’s museum panel will be unveiled at 1:00pm followed by a presentation from Jessica Rockhold, Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education in Overland Park, Kansas who will speak about Terezin. The eagles will be outside in the Lowell Milken Park at 2:30pm and 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome for all or part of the event!
“This is a really special treat to see two eagles at once and get to hear Jessica Rockhold who is an expert on all things Holocaust!” said Ronda Hassig, a spokesperson for the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.
About Evergy: As an energy provider, Evergy is committed to creating a sustainable energy future and minimizing our environmental impact. They do this through the advancement of clean energy resources, education, stewardship, and environmental actions and activities.
The Lowell Milken Center Newsletter March 26
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March 26, 2024 Volume 2 |
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A Timeless Tribute to Your Hero: A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime!Looking for the perfect gift for someone who has everything? |
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Consider a personalized brick to be showcased in our Unsung Heroes Park. For just $100, it’s a unique and enduring way to honor a hero in your life. By purchasing a brick, you’re creating a lasting tribute and supporting the Lowell Milken Center’s mission to share remarkable stories of Unsung Heroes throughout history. Your purchase is tax-deductible, as the Lowell Milken Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Printable certificates will be promptly emailed, making it a hassle-free gift option. Secure your brick today by visiting the Lowell Milken Center at 1 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS, or by submitting this form: https://bit.ly/brick_form. For more information, contact LMC at 620-223-1312. |
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Unsung Heroes Park is a stunning exhibit space that serves as an outdoor extension of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Unveiled in September 2022, it boasts interactive exhibits, a walking trail, a water feature, and beautiful landscaping, which delights thousands of visitors anually. |
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Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter
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March 8, 2024 Volume 1 |
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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Irena Sendler, an Unsung Hero |
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As we embrace the significance of March as Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to the remarkable women whose courage, resilience, and unwavering determination have shaped history. Among them stands Irena Sendler, a true Unsung Hero whose extraordinary acts of bravery serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, and her network of helpers, risked their lives to save hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust. Operating within the shadows of Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Sendler orchestrated daring rescue missions, smuggling children out of the Warsaw Ghetto and providing them with new identities and safe refuge. Her selfless actions exemplify the power of compassion and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Sendler’s story is even more compelling when you consider the journey of discovery that led to her recognition as an Unsung Hero. It was a group of young women from Uniontown High School in Kansas who stumbled upon Sendler’s story while working on a project for National History Day. Captivated by her bravery and resilience, they embarked on a mission to ensure that Sendler’s legacy was not forgotten. The impact of their project led to the idea for the creation of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, an organization dedicated to celebrating the unsung heroes of history and inspiring future generations to make a positive impact in their communities. Irena Sendler’s story served as the catalyst for this noble endeavor, reminding us that ordinary individuals have the power to change the world through acts of courage and compassion. As we reflect on Women’s History Month, let us remember Irena Sendler and the countless unsung heroines whose contributions have shaped our world. May their stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and inspire us to strive for a future defined by empathy, equality, and justice for all. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and honoring the extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark on history. |
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Discovery Award Updates |
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Join the 2024 Discovery Award Competition! The 2024 Discovery Award Competition is here, offering students in grades 4-12 a chance to win prizes totaling $25,000. Sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, this competition encourages students to discover and celebrate the stories of unsung heroes. Key Details: $25,000 in Prizes Eligibility: Open to students in grades 4-12 Deadline: Submit projects by July 1, 2024 Mode: Performance, Website or Documentary Submission Approval: Encourage students to submit topics soon. (Although it is not required to enter the competition.) Learn more: http://bit.ly/2wYZPiD. This is a fantastic opportunity for your students to showcase their talents and explore the stories of unsung heroes. Share this with your students and integrate it into your curriculum. Any questions? Reach out! Let’s inspire the next generation of storytellers! Call: 620-223-1312 email: [email protected] |
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ARTEFFECT Updates |
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The submission period for the 2024 ARTEFFECT competition is open! Show off your artistic talents and make an impact. Learn more and submit your entry at https://bit.ly/ArtEffect- |
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Fellows News and Updates |
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We’re happy to share that Megan Helberg from Nebraska, one of our outstanding 2021 LMC Fellows, has been honored as Educator of the Year by the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina! Megan’s dedication to her students and community shines brightly, and we couldn’t be prouder of her well-deserved recognition. Learn more about Megan and her efforts to bring educational opportunities to her students and community. Check out the recognition video here: https://youtu.be/rvkrvwlaAuw? |
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Join us in celebrating Lindsey Dowell, one of this year’s recipients of the prestigious Kansas Master Teacher award! Lindsey, who serves as the 7-8th Grade Gifted Facilitator at Washburn Rural Middle School in Topeka, has been recognized for her outstanding dedication to education. In her classroom, Lindsey empowers her students to take control of their learning journey. Through her innovative teaching methods, she fosters an environment where students excel academically and socially. As a result, her students consistently demonstrate remarkable growth, surpassing expectations and setting a high standard for their peers. Congratulations, Lindsey Dowell, on this well-deserved honor! Your commitment to excellence in education is an inspiration to us all. |
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LMC News and Updates |
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Our recent event, “African American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920,” featured a captivating presentation by Lem Sheppard. The event, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, The Gordon Parks Museum and Humanities Kansas, celebrated the life and accomplishments of James Reese Europe, one of the founders of Ragtime and Jazz and a true Unsung Hero. Delving into the vibrant musical heritage of historic Fort Scott, Sheppard highlighted the pivotal role played by musicians like James Reese Europe, who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the era. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history while enjoying a delightful soup luncheon accompanied by soulful melodies courtesy of the Fort Scott High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Justin Robinson. The event provided a unique experience, allowing guests to step back in time and partake in a cakewalk, reminiscent of a bygone era. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us in celebrating this enriching journey through Kansas’ musical past. Stay tuned for more exciting events to come! |
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Step into spring with an unforgettable visit to the Lowell Milken Center! As the season blossoms, we invite groups of all ages to explore our inspiring exhibits and engage in enriching educational experiences. Whether you’re planning a field trip for students, a group tour for history enthusiasts, or a team-building outing, the Lowell Milken Center offers a perfect destination. Come discover the stories of Unsung Heroes and be inspired by their remarkable journeys. Contact us today to schedule your visit and make memories that will last a lifetime! |
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Chamber Coffee Hosted by Gordon Parks Museum/Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
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