Category Archives: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Anne Frank: A History For Today June 2-6 at Lowell Milken Center

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Lowell Milken Center

for Unsung Heroes

Anne Frank: A History For Today

Experience Anne Frank’s story like never before!

Exhibit will be at the Lowell Milken Center

June 2nd-26th

1 South Main St.

Fort Scott, KS

Information/Questions: 620-223-1312

Lowell Milken Center Hours:

M-F 10am-5pm

Sat. 10am-4pm

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is honored to

announce the arrival of a powerful international traveling exhibit, Anne Frank: A History for Today, coming to Fort Scott this June.

This impactful exhibit, presented in partnership with the Anne Frank Center—official partner of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam for the United States and Canada—offers visitors a rare and meaningful opportunity to learn more about Anne Frank, her family, and their courageous actions during one of history’s darkest periods.

Through historical photos, powerful stories, and visuals of the actual Anne Frank House,visitors will be immersed in the life of a young girl whose words and resilience have touched millions around the world.

The Center is especially proud to share that this exhibit was made possible through the efforts of Megan Helberg, a 2021 Lowell Milken Center Fellow and the current Program Coordinator for the Anne Frank Center. Her connection to both organizations helped bring this significant educational opportunity to Fort Scott.

“We are proud to be the featured location for this meaningful exhibit,” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center. “Anne Frank’s story remains as relevant today as ever—reminding us of the dangers of prejudice and the strength of hope.”

The exhibit will be displayed from June 2nd through June 26th at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center is closed on Sundays. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Click HERE for Lowell Milken Center’s website!

Click HERE to visit Lowell Milken Center’s Facebook Page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ArtEffects Competition Results

Leave a comment

2025 ARTEFFECT Competition Finalists!
ARTEFFECT is pleased to announce the 2025 Competition Finalists! Congratulations to all students selected as 2025 Finalists and their teachers! The range of topics across these exceptional projects is notable.

The 115 projects encompass 64 Unsung Heroes stories, including all 7 Spotlight Unsung Heroes. These projects are presented by 16 middle school and 99 high school students from 24 states across the U.S. as well as 5 other countries around the world: Australia, Canada, Lithuania, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates. Take some time to explore the artworks and impact statement excerpts.

The 2025 Awardees will be announced on June 2. Stay tuned!
View 2025 Finalists!
Stay connected with the expanding
ARTEFFECT network
ARTEFFECT is expanding its social media presence. Be sure to keep connected as part of our growing community of learners. Follow us on these platforms for announcements, news, and resources about the competition, Ambassadors fellowship, and more.
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT Facebook Page
Art Educators Facebook Page
ARTEFFECT X
ARTEFFECT YouTube
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Spring Highlights & Summer Sneak Peeks at the LMC

Leave a comment
View this email in your browser
May 6, 2025

Vol. 4

Spring Highlights & Summer Sneak Peeks

at the LMC
Featured Spotlight: New Digital Wall

Our museum just got an upgrade!
We’re excited to unveil our new interactive digital wall showcasing powerful student artwork from the ARTEFFECT competition. This ever-growing gallery gives visitors a closer look at the inspiring stories and creative projects shared by students nationwide. The display has quickly become a favorite among guests, offering a dynamic and engaging way to experience the creativity, research, and impact behind these exceptional student projects.

Come see it for yourself!

Anne Frank Exhibit Coming to Fort Scott This June

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is honored to announce the arrival of a powerful international traveling exhibit, Anne Frank: A History for Today, coming to Fort Scott this June.

This impactful exhibit, presented in partnership with the Anne Frank Center—official partner of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam for the United States and Canada—offers visitors a rare and meaningful opportunity to learn more about Anne Frank, her family, and their courageous actions during one of history’s darkest periods.

Through historical photos, powerful stories, and visuals of the actual Anne Frank House, visitors will be immersed in the life of a young girl whose words and resilience have touched millions around the world.

The Center is especially proud to share that this exhibit was made possible through the efforts of Megan Helberg, a 2021 Lowell Milken Center Fellow and the current Program Coordinator for the Anne Frank Center. Her connection to both organizations helped bring this significant educational opportunity to Fort Scott.

“We are proud to be the featured location for this meaningful exhibit,” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center. “Anne Frank’s story remains as relevant today as ever—reminding us of the dangers of prejudice and the strength of hope.”

The exhibit will be displayed from June 2nd through June 26th at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott. The museum is open Monday through Friday from10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center is closed on Sundays. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

For more information, visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org or follow the Lowell Milken Center on social media.
2025 Discovery Award – Deadline: July 1, 2025

The 2025 Discovery Award competition is now open to students in grades 4–12! This unique opportunity invites students to research and celebrate Unsung Heroes who have made a lasting impact on history.

Through Project-Based Learning, students build essential skills in research, critical thinking, and creativity while creating original documentaries, websites, or performances. Entries may be submitted individually or in teams of up to five students. Cash prizes are awarded to both students and teachers!

This competition is more than a contest—it’s a chance to inspire change and bring untold stories to life.

Learn more
Questions? Call 620-223-1312 or email [email protected]
Honoring Unsung Heroes Through Art

We were honored to welcome 2015 LMC Fellow and 2005 Milken Educator Shelley Self, along with her talented art students from Coweta High School in Oklahoma. Among the group was Alyssa Knapper, whose powerful artwork Jar of the Known Truth, honoring Unsung Hero Irena Sendler, earned a 2024 Certificate of Excellence in the ARTEFFECT Competition.

We also commend the three additional Coweta students who have submitted entries for this year’s competition. We can’t wait to see their creative work!

Thank you, Shelley, for your ongoing commitment to honoring Unsung Heroes and empowering students through the arts and storytelling.
LMC Hosts Kickoff Event for Kansas LEADs Conference

On April 25, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes was proud to serve as the kickoff venue for the Kansas LEADs (Linking Educators Across Districts) conference, held in Pittsburg, Kansas. We welcomed educators from across the state and shared how LMC supports teachers and students worldwide through Project-Based Learning and Unsung Hero projects.

Special thanks to LMC Fellows Dyane Smokorowski (’14), Carly Bowden (’21), and Jennifer Farr (’23) for organizing this powerful conference and leading impactful breakout sessions. We’re honored to be part of a community that is passionate about empowering educators and inspiring change.
Gratitude from Gracious Visitors

We were touched to receive this thoughtful note from Collyn and Phyllis following their recent visit to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Their kind words and desire to support our mission mean the world to us.

Visitors like this remind us that the impact of Unsung Hero stories extends far beyond the classroom. Thank you for spending time with us, for your encouragement, and for believing in the power of education to spark change.

Welcoming the 2025 LMC Fellows to Fort Scott

Beginning June 16, we are excited to welcome the 2025 class of LMC Fellows to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. These outstanding educators, recognized nationally and internationally for their excellence in teaching, represent both the United States and Canada.

The LMC Fellowship offers a week of immersive professional development focused on Project-Based Learning and the power of Unsung Hero stories to transform classrooms and communities. We’re honored to work alongside these dedicated changemakers and look forward to introducing them to you.

Stay tuned—we’ll share more about each of our 2025 Fellows in our next newsletter!

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

This week—and every week—we honor the incredible educators who inspire, uplift, and empower students every day. At the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we’re proud to work alongside teachers who bring Unsung Hero stories to life in classrooms around the world.

Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and unwavering belief in your students. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of your classroom.

Book Your Group Tours NOW for Spring & Summer!

There’s still time to schedule your group’s visit to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! Whether you’re part of a school group, senior citizen group, community organization, book club, or just a group of friends, we welcome you to dive into the inspiring stories of history’s Unsung Heroes.

Visitors are raving:

“Truly inspiring—an experience that will change you.”

“A powerful reminder that one person can change the world.”

“Our students left ready to make a difference.”

Tours are tailored to your group’s interests and ages, offering an engaging, thought-provoking experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore the lives of remarkable individuals who made a difference in history.

Dates are filling up fast—secure your spot today!
Email us to schedule a group tour
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Anne Frank Exhibit Coming to Fort Scott This June

Leave a comment

 

FORT SCOTT, KS – The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is honored to announce the arrival of a powerful international traveling exhibit, Anne Frank: A History for Today, coming to Fort Scott this June.

This impactful exhibit, presented in partnership with the Anne Frank Center—official partner of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam for the United States and Canada—offers visitors a rare and meaningful opportunity to learn more about Anne Frank, her family, and their courageous actions during one of history’s darkest periods.

Through historical photos, powerful stories, and visuals of the actual Anne Frank House, visitors will be immersed in the life of a young girl whose words and resilience have touched millions around the world.

The Center is especially proud to share that this exhibit was made possible through the efforts of Megan Helberg, a 2021 Lowell Milken Center Fellow and the current Program Coordinator for the Anne Frank Center. Her connection to both organizations helped bring this significant educational opportunity to Fort Scott.

“We are proud to be the featured location for this meaningful exhibit,” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center. “Anne Frank’s story remains as relevant today as ever—reminding us of the dangers of prejudice and the strength of hope.”

The exhibit will be displayed from June 2nd through June 26th at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center is closed on Sundays. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

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

 

Area News, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken presents $25,000 cash prize to Meredith Reid 2024 at red carpet ceremony

Leave a comment

 

ghs meredith reid bio v2

Santa Monica, Calif., (Apr. 22, 2025) — Hailing from across the country, the 2024 class of Milken Educator Award recipients traveled to Los Angeles to attend the national Milken Educator Awards Forum held at UCLA April 1-3. Meeting one another for the first time, the 2024 class gathered with their loved ones to walk the red carpet – a celebration fitting for their continued excellence and leadership inside and outside of the classroom.

 

Milken Educator Awards Founder Lowell Milken hosted the 2024 Awardees, officially recognizing Kansas Milken Educator Award recipient Meredith Reid with her unrestricted $25,000 cash prize following her surprise notification in January.

 

The all-expenses-paid trip to L.A. and $25,000 cash prize were part of each educator’s Award, which also provides lifetime membership to the national Milken Educator Network, powerful mentorship and professional development opportunities, and access to a brain trust of over 3,000 Milken Educators working to shape the future of K-12 education.

 

“We honor the achievements of 2024’s Milken Educators, who dedicate their lives to providing students with the high-quality education they need and deserve,” said Lowell Milken. “We shine a spotlight on these extraordinary change agents so that when they return to their communities, they will know that their impact is not only noticed but also treasured. We hope they will continue to inspire other talented young people to join the adventure of teaching and serve as a beacon of excellence for future generations.”

 

At this year’s forum, appropriately themed “3,000 Strong and Making an Impact,” veteran and new Milken Educators gathered at UCLA to share ideas for amplifying their voice in their professional careers. With the Awards’ mission to “Celebrate, Elevate, and Activate” the teaching profession, recipients learned about the powerful opportunities the Milken Educator Network affords to expand their leadership in practice and policy.

 

Additionally, the forum celebrated a significant milestone for the Milken Family Foundation: reaching the 3,000th Milken Educator Award recipient since the Awards’ inception nearly four decades ago. The 2024-25 season concluded with the induction of 42 new Milken Educators, with more than $75 million in individual financial prizes and more than $145 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall.

 

 

See highlights from the Milken Educator Awards Forum and Tour at #MilkenAward or on our channels: Facebook (MilkenEducatorAwards)| X (Milken)| YouTube (MilkenAward)| Instagram (MilkenFamilyFdn)| LinkedIn (MilkenFamilyFdn)| TikTok (MilkenAward).

 

Visit MilkenEducatorAwards.org or call the Milken Family Foundation at (310) 570-4772 for more information.

-MEA-

 

About the Milken Educator Awards: “The Future Belongs to the Educated”
The first Milken Educator Awards were presented by the Milken Family Foundation in 1987. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken, the Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early- to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish. The Milken Family Foundation celebrates more than 40 years of elevating education in America and around the world. Learn more at MFF.org.

 

PHOTOS:

Download photos from galleries on the right column of each educator’s bio page here by clicking the blue button under each desired photo.

Credit: Milken Family Foundation

Meredith Reid (KS ’24)

Teacher

Girard High School
Girard, KS

Subject(s) taught: Music
Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

 

At the time of the Award, Meredith Reid was:

Teacher
Girard High School
Girard, KS

Subject(s) taught: Music
Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Biographical Information

 

When Meredith Reid attended Girard High School as a student, the choral music program had no longer existed. When she returned to her alma mater as a teacher several years later, Reid reestablished the program which now produces an award-winning choir. They regularly perform throughout the community and compete at regional and state music events, where the group earned the “superior” rating this past school year.

In addition, nearly all her high school soloists receive top ratings at the regional and state competitions. Reid had six students chosen for the Kansas All-State Choirs, one of only two choral programs in southeast Kansas to achieve this honor. One of her choral students was selected to join the prestigious Kansas State University Summer Choral Institute, a highly selective program that admits only 48 students across the country each year.

In her classroom, Reid uses a positive rewards system to motivate her students to utilize good singing techniques. The system was so well-received she was asked to present the model at the Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. For students in this rural community with little to no access to private vocal lessons, Reid opens a world of musical opportunities for her choral students.

Outside of GHS, Reid is an engaged member of her hometown and beyond, serving as a local officer in P.E.O., a nonprofit organization that helps women pursue education; representing GHS at a national education conference; and serving as board secretary for the American Choral Directors Association. Reid has been involved with the Kansas Music Educators Association and served as Southeast Kansas choral chair. Her commitment to music education extends to her colleagues and young music teachers in the district and region who benefit from her friendship and mentorship. Her community choir, “Generations,” reflects her goals of having a sustained music program whose members serve as role models for young musicians and represent the importance of lifelong dedication to music appreciation.

A Kansas State University graduate, Reid earned a Bachelor of Music Education in 2010 and a Master of Music Education in 2017.

 

Art, Bourbon County, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Visual Art Competition For Grades 6-12 Submission Deadline: April 27

Leave a comment

COMPETITION COUNTDOWN:
— Submissions due Sunday, April 27 —
Final week to submit projects!
In Step 1, students select an LMC Unsung Hero from the approved list and become familiar with that individual’s story.

In Step 2, students create an original work of art to visually interpret the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes as role models.

In Step 3, students write an Impact Statement that covers what they found inspirational about their Unsung Hero, how their artwork expressed the Unsung Hero’s character traits and heroic actions, and more.In Step 4, students complete and submit the online application by April 27, 2025 to enter the competition. Allow 30 minutes for the submission process. Students will need to create an account on Submittable and provide contact information, the Impact Statement, at least one image for 2D artworks, and 4 images for 3D artworks, and a signed parental consent form.

Pro-Tip: If you need assistance with the submission process, please reach out to [email protected] for support.
Submit Here by April 27, 2025
Step-by-Step Competition Submission Guide
Attention teachers and students! Follow this 10-Step Submission Guide to submit projects for the 2025 ARTEFFECT competition. Allow at least 30 minutes to complete your submission using the online portal once you have gathered all the required information and materials on the Submission Checklist. There is no fee to enter the competition.
Download ARTEFFECT Competition Submission Guide
The submission deadline for the 2025 Competition is April 27, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). For more information and to submit, visit the ARTEFFECT Competition.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Art COMPETITION COUNTDOWN: — Submissions due April 27

Leave a comment

COMPETITION COUNTDOWN:
— Submissions due April 27 —
Create An Artwork
In Step 1, students selected an LMC Unsung Hero from the approved list and became familiar with that individual’s story.

In Step 2, students create an original work of art. Artworks visually interpret the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes as role models. For their artworks, students may wish to explore the Unsung Heroes’ character traits and actions, the consequences of their events and decisions, their impact on the course of history—past or present, or other approaches.

Take time to review the judging rubric for the artworks, which includes 40% for creative interpretation of the Unsung Hero’s story.
Download Judging Rubric
Select Process and Media
Artworks in a variety of 2D and 3D media are eligible for submission. Students submitting digital art will be asked to answer 3 short questions on the application about their selection of media and their creative process. Students submitting 3D artworks are required to upload 4 images of their artwork.

RESOURCE: Thumbnail sketches are great for idea generation. Use this worksheet to explore various compositions: Thumbnail Sketch Worksheet
Awardees from 2024 Dyne Kim (Left) and Vanessa Hoyt (Right). Click the images to learn more about the students and their chosen Unsung Heroes.
Step-by-Step Competition Submission Guide
Attention teachers and students! Follow this 10-Step Submission Guide to submit projects for the 2025 ARTEFFECT competition. Allow at least 30 minutes to complete your submission using the online portal once you have gathered all the required information and materials on the Submission Checklist. There is no fee to enter the competition.
Download ARTEFFECT Competition Submission Guide
The Submission deadline for the 2025 Competition is April 27, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). For more information and to submit, visit the ARTEFFECT Competition.
2025 ARTEFFECT Competition –
Certificate of Participation!

Making a complete submission to the ARTEFFECT 2025 Competition is an achievement unto itself! ARTEFFECT honors the teaching and learning of all participating students with a Certificate of Participation.

Students: If you would like to request a Certificate of Participation, please email arteffect@lowellmilken.org upon completion of your submission.

Educators: If you would like to request a Certificate of Participation template for your students, or to confirm submissions for your students’ participation, email arteffect@lowellmilken.org.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ArtEfffect Submission Guide

Leave a comment
COMPETITION COUNTDOWN:
— One Month to Submit! —
Step-by-Step Competition Submission Guide
Attention teachers and students! Follow this 10-Step Submission Guide to submit projects for the 2025 ARTEFFECT competition. Allow at least 30 minutes to complete your submission using the online portal once you have gathered all the required information and materials on the Submission Checklist. There is no fee to enter the competition
Download ARTEFFECT Competition Submission Guide
The Competition Deadline is April 27, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). For guidelines and resources, visit the ARTEFFECT Competition.
VIBRANT at the 2025 NAEA Convention!
Thank you to all of the educators who visited the ARTEFFECT booth during the 2025 NAEA convention! Over 3,000 art educators attended NAEA this year, getting to experience professional development sessions, the exhibitor hall, and more. The ARTEFFECT team met new faces, reconnected with old friends and ARTEFFECT Ambassadors, and shared the mission and impact of the ARTEFFECT competition. Seven ARTEFFECT Ambassadors presented in breakout sessions about their research and development as art instructors.

Below are some resources distributed at the ARTEFFECT booth:
ARTEFFECT Quick Start Guide for Educators
Unsung Hero Directory PDF
Lesson Plans
ARTEFFECT Joins In Celebrating
Youth Art Month!
Youth Art Month recognizes art education’s vital role in developing citizens of a global society, and underscores art as a necessity for the full development of better quality of life for all. ARTEFFECT supports and celebrates the goals of this important work by:
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ARTEFFECT Celebrates Women’s History Month

Leave a comment

ARTEFFECT Celebrates
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions women have made to society. There are over 68 women on the list of Unsung Heroes for the ARTEFFECT competition. They made contributions to diverse disciplines—including astronomy, environmentalism, medicine, civil rights, and more—that changed the course of history. Discover their untold stories and learn how their actions impact our lives today.

Click the images below to explore a selection of award-winning ARTEFFECT artworks in honor of Women’s History Month.
See you at NAEA in Louisville, KY!
March 20-22, 2025
Plan to stop by the ARTEFFECT booth in the Exhibit Hall at NAEA National Convention. Pick up some new swag, the 2025 ARTEFFECT brochure, and meet the ARTEFFECT team. See you in Louisville!
The ARTEFFECT annual competition is open to students in grades 6-12 through April 27, 20025. This Quick Start Resource Guide for Educators. includes lesson plans, links to session recordings, and activities to support students in participating in the 2025 ARTEFFECT Competition.
Download Resource Guide
Learn more about the ARTEFFECT Competition open through April 27, 2025.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Artmaking & Design for Social Impact  Lesson Plan and Session Recording Available

Leave a comment
Artmaking & Design for Social Impact 
Lesson Plan and Session Recording
— NOW AVAILABLE —
Access the Artmaking & Design for Social Impact lesson plan and session recording. This session explored the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes through a social impact framework. Award-winning art educator E. Dominic Black examined the processes of artmaking, design, and writing to support students towards deeper understandings about the intended meaning and impact of their ARTEFECT projects. Thank you to Dominic and to everyone who attended!
Artmaking & Design for Social Impact – LESSON PLAN
Artmaking & Design for Social Impact – SESSION RECORDING
ARTEFFECT Competition Resource
— Choose Your LMC Unsung Hero —
Students participating in the competition can select an Unsung Hero from the LMC pre-approved list. This list includes Unsung Heroes throughout history in various categories such as STEAM, Wartime, Civil Rights, Medicine, Environment, and Journalism. Download the Unsung Heroes Directory PDF as a classroom resource.
Unsung Heroes Directory PDF
Learn more about the ARTEFFECT Competition.
See you at NAEA in Louisville, KY!
March 20-22, 2025
Plan to stop by the ARTEFFECT booth in the Exhibit Hall at NAEA National Convention. Pick up some new swag, the 2025 ARTEFFECT brochure, and meet the ARTEFFECT team. See you in Louisville!
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Challenge Your Students to Discover, Create, and Inspire!

Leave a comment

February 27, 2025

Vol. 2

Challenge Your Students to Discover, Create, and Inspire!

✨ Attention Teachers: Inspire the Next Generation of Changemakers! ✨

The 2025 Discovery Award Competition is now open! This prestigious opportunity allows students to uncover the powerful stories of Unsung Heroes through Project-Based Learning (PBL)—enhancing their research, creativity, and critical thinking skills in the process.

📂 Project Categories
Students can submit projects in one of three formats: documentary, website, or performance.

👩‍🎓 Individual or Group Entries
Projects may be completed individually or in groups of up to five students.

💰 Exciting Prizes!
Students have the chance to win cash awards and gain national recognition for their work. Plus, teachers can earn prizes for guiding students on this transformative journey!

🗓️ Submission Deadline: July 1, 2025

Encourage your students to research, create, and inspire—their voices matter. Help them share stories of courage, compassion, and change!

📩 Learn more and submit here: https://bit.ly/Discovery_Award_info

The National Discovery Award:

Celebrating Students Who Bring History to Life

The National Discovery Award Competition is more than just a contest—it’s a platform for students to uncover untold stories and bring Unsung Heroes to life through powerful documentaries, dynamic websites, and compelling performances. Since its inception in 2012, the competition has awarded over $195,000 in prizes to students who have showcased extraordinary research, creativity, and storytelling.

🏆 How many years has the Discovery Award Competition been running?
📍 Which states have produced the most winning projects?
🎓 Which teachers have mentored the most award-winning projects?

🌟 Check out 2024’s Grand Prize-Winning Project! 🌟

In 1960, Dr. Frances Kelsey stood her ground against immense pressure, preventing a national tragedy and saving thousands of lives. But have you heard her story?

Irvine (CA) High School student Harmony Yan-Li’s award-winning documentary, Turning from Tragedy: The Unsung Story of Frances Kelsey and the Thalidomide Scandal, brings this courageous woman’s fight for drug safety to light.

Discover how one determined scientist changed the course of history—watch the powerful project that won the 2024 National Discovery Award Grand Prize!

Honoring Irena Sendler’s Legacy

February 15 marks the birthday of Irena Sendler, an extraordinary Unsung Hero whose courage and compassion saved hundreds of Jewish children and adults from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust. Though she passed away in 2008, her remarkable legacy of bravery, selflessness, and resilience continues to inspire generations.

As we remember her life and impact, we celebrate the strength of those who stand against injustice and the power of one person to change the world.

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the powerful stories, achievements, and resilience of Black individuals who have shaped history. From trailblazers in civil rights and social justice to pioneers in science, art, and education, we recognize the countless contributions that have paved the way for progress.

At the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we highlight the stories of extraordinary individuals whose impact has often gone unrecognized—ensuring their legacies inspire future generations.

Join us in celebrating Black history, amplifying these voices, and continuing the pursuit of justice and equality.

Book Your Group Tours NOW for Winter and Spring!

There’s still time to schedule your group’s visit to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! Whether you’re part of a school group, senior citizen group, community organization, book club, or just a group of friends, we welcome you to dive into the inspiring stories of history’s Unsung Heroes.

🌟 Visitors are raving:

🗨️ “Truly inspiring—an experience that will change you.”

🗨️ “A powerful reminder that one person can change the world.”

🗨️ “Our students left ready to make a difference.”

Tours are tailored to your group’s interests and ages, offering an engaging, thought-provoking experience. Don’t miss your chance to explore the lives of remarkable individuals who made a difference in history.

Dates are filling up fast—secure your spot today!
Facebook icon
Instagram icon
Twitter icon
Email icon
Website icon
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Artmaking & Design for Social Impact Professional Development Session Is February 26

Leave a comment

Artmaking & Design for Social Impact 
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
4:00 – 5:15 PM (Pacific Time)
— STILL TIME TO JOIN —
This session explores the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes through a social impact framework. What does social impact mean? Where did the Unsung Hero make an impact―on society, communities, or individuals? Award-winning art educator E. Dominic Black examines the processes of artmaking, design, and writing to support students towards deeper understandings about the intended meaning and impact of their ARTEFECT projects.

Open to all K-12 educators and free to join. Register to attend and receive the session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for attendees.
Register Now!
Celebrating Unsung Heroes
in Medicine
ARTEFFECT celebrates the contributions of Unsung Heroes in the field of medicine that impacted the course of history. These remarkable individuals advanced the fields of surgery, public health, medical research, and patient care—often overcoming barriers to bring lifesaving innovations to the world. Among them, Vivien Thomas, a pioneering surgical technician, developed life-saving techniques for heart surgery, revolutionizing treatment for ‘blue baby’ syndrome. Learn about these Unsung Heroes from medical history below.

Through ARTEFFECT, students are invited to consider and creatively interpret the stories of these remarkable individuals through visual artworks and written impact statements. Discover more Unsung Heroes on the list of Pre-Approved Unsung Heroes:
Pre-Approved Unsung Heroes List
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
X
Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701