LMC Newsletter Jan. 24, 2025

January 24, 2024

Vol. 1

Celebrating a Milestone: 16,000 Visitors in 2024!

Since opening in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has welcomed visitors from 109 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In 2024, we reached an exciting milestone: a record-breaking 16,000 visitors in one calendar year!

On December 26th, we celebrated this achievement by welcoming our 16,000th visitor, Erika Knox from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, who visited with her husband Reilly and family member Carol Knox from Nevada, Missouri. Visitors like Erika embody the mission of the Center by exploring and sharing the stories of Unsung Heroes—individuals whose remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on our world.

As visitor numbers grow, so does the impact of the Lowell Milken Center. Interest in the Discovery Award and ARTEFFECT competitions continues to expand, and new Unsung Hero exhibits are regularly added to the Hall of Heroes, Lowell Milken Park, and our website. These exhibits inspire all who learn about them to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

We thank every visitor, supporter, and collaborator who made 2024 a record-breaking year. Together, we continue to honor Unsung Heroes and their extraordinary legacies.

On Thursday, December 26th, our 16,000th visitor, Erika Knox from Bellefonte, PA, explored the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes at the Center, accompanied by her husband, Reilly Knox, and a close relative, Carol Knox, from Nevada, MO.

2025 Discovery Award Competition: Now Open for Entries!

Teachers, here’s an incredible opportunity to unleash your students’ creativity and research skills through the prestigious Discovery Award Competition! This annual competition challenges students to explore the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes using Project-Based Learning (PBL). By participating, students will develop critical skills in primary research, creativity, and analysis—valuable tools they can carry with them for life.

Project Categories:
Students can choose to submit their work in one of three categories: documentary, website, or performance.

Who Can Participate:
Students in grades 4-12 may enter Unsung Hero projects. Projects may be completed individually or in groups of up to five students.

Exciting Rewards:
Participants have the chance to win cash prizes and gain national recognition for their impactful projects. Teachers also have opportunities to earn prizes for their guidance and mentorship.

Submission Deadline:
Projects are due by July 1, 2025.

Encourage your students to tell powerful stories of courage and compassion, and inspire them to make a lasting impact through meaningful projects.

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

Empower the next generation of change-makers while being recognized for your dedication to innovative education!

Celebrating Excellence in Education: Girard’s Meredith Reid Honored

Earlier this month, Girard (KS) High School choral teacher Meredith Reid received the prestigious Milken Educator Award, often called the “Oscar of Teaching.” This national honor recognizes Meredith’s exceptional dedication to music education and her leadership within the community.

Lowell Milken Center Executive Director Norm Conard was proud to attend the celebration, where Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop and Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson presented the award. This marks the first Milken Award in Girard Unified School District’s history. Along with the honor, Meredith received an unrestricted $25,000 prize.

Congratulations to Meredith for her inspiring work in education and tremendous impact on her students and the Girard community!

Celebrating Excellence: Ann Marie Vanneste Finalist for Global Teacher Prize

2024 LMC Fellow Ann Marie Vanneste from Canada has been named a finalist for the 2025 Global Teacher Prize! Ann Marie’s inspiring work embodies the values of education and her dedication to empowering the next generation.

She joins a distinguished group of LMC Fellows who have been recognized as finalists for this prestigious award, including:

Jeff Charbonneau (2015) – Top 50, 2015 Finalist
Jamie Manker (2015) – Top 50, 2015 Finalist
Eric Crouch (2017) – Top 50, 2019 Finalist
Merit Karise (2017) – Top 50, 2015 Finalist
Michael Soskil (2017) – Top 50, 2015 Finalist; Top 10, 2016 Finalist
Elisa Guerra (2018) – Top 50, 2015 Finalist

Ann Marie will travel to Dubai for the announcement of the winner. We are thrilled to see her continuing this tradition of excellence and making a lasting difference in the lives of her students.

Congratulations, Ann Marie!

A Winter Wonderland at Lowell Milken Park

Lowell Milken Park truly shines during the holiday season, but there’s something extra magical about seeing it covered in a fresh blanket of snow. With twinkling lights and festive decorations, the park transforms into a serene winter wonderland, capturing the beauty and spirit of the holidays.

We hope you had a chance to experience the park’s charm this season and take in its peaceful, picturesque setting. It’s a wonderful reminder of the joy and beauty this time of year brings to Fort Scott.

Visitors from Waco, Texas Share Their Inspiring Experience

After reading Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, three women from Waco, Texas, were so moved by Irena’s story that they made the journey to visit the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Their visit left a lasting impression on them, and they recently shared a heartfelt note about how the experience continues to inspire their community.

Here is their touching message: