Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Newsletter

Vol. 3

From Classrooms to the World

From Discovery Award projects to international visitors, inspiring stories continue to connect classrooms and communities worldwide.

A Discovery Award Journey Comes Full Circle

Two-time National Discovery Award winner Emma Manion recently visited the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott with her parents, John and Lorelle Manion, while traveling from Dousman, Wisconsin.

Emma first earned national recognition in 2022 for her performance on Unsung Hero Lutie Stearns while a middle school student. In 2025, she earned First Place in the National Discovery Award competition for her powerful performance highlighting the life and impact of Ada Deer.

Emma’s supervising teacher, Terry Kaldhusdal, a 2014 LMC Fellow, has encouraged students to engage deeply with project-based learning and the stories of Unsung Heroes. Through research, creativity, and performance, Emma’s projects reflect the heart of the Discovery Award program—helping students discover how one individual can make a lasting difference in the world.

Visits like Emma’s serve as a reminder that the impact of these projects extends far beyond the classroom, inspiring students and audiences for years to come.

Step Into the World of Dinosaurs and Discovery

Come discover how Unsung Hero Mary Anning and her groundbreaking fossil discoveries helped pave the way for modern paleontology and changed the world’s understanding of prehistoric life.

This summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is bringing history—and prehistory—to life with a special exhibit honoring Mary Anning, an Unsung Hero whose discoveries helped shape the field of paleontology.

Despite facing poverty and limited recognition during her lifetime, Mary Anning made groundbreaking fossil discoveries along the cliffs of England in the early 1800s, changing the scientific world’s understanding of prehistoric life.

From June 15 through July 11, visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to explore real fossils, experience an interactive hologram of Mary Anning, and learn how curiosity, perseverance, and a passion for discovery can leave a lasting impact on the world.

Mary’s story continues to inspire students today by showing that important discoveries can come from ordinary individuals who are willing to ask questions, keep learning, and pursue what fascinates them.

We invite families, students, educators, and travelers to stop by and experience this exciting summer exhibit in downtown Fort Scott.

Discovery Award Momentum is Building

Students around the world are hard at work researching Unsung Heroes and bringing their stories to life through documentaries, performances, and websites as the Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award deadline approaches.

Each year, the Discovery Award competition challenges students to think critically, conduct meaningful research, and uncover individuals whose courage, compassion, and perseverance changed history. Through project-based learning, students not only strengthen academic skills but also discover how one person can make a lasting impact on the world.

We are already beginning to see this year’s submissions arrive and are continually inspired by the creativity, depth of research, and passion students bring to their projects.

Discovery Award submissions are due July 1.

If you know a student or educator who would love this opportunity, we encourage you to help spread the word. Every project helps ensure an Unsung Hero’s story continues to inspire future generations.

Learn more about the Discovery Award competition.

Questions? Contact Norm Conard at [email protected]

Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity?

Please help us spread the word!

Share the Discovery Award with teachers, students, and schools in your circle and invite them to discover a hero, create a project, and make an impact.

Welcoming Visitors From Around the World

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes recently reached an exciting milestone, welcoming visitors from 110 countries around the world.

Recent international guests included Laura Reffner from Alto Paraná, Paraguay; Alberto Asensio from Teruel, Spain; and Emmanuel Ebia from Togo, who visited as part of the Global Greyhounds program at Fort Scott Community College. Emmanuel’s visit not only marked the first from Togo but also the 110th country to visit the Lowell Milken Center.

Alberto Asensio’s visit was especially meaningful, as he was an exchange student at Uniontown High School and a student of LMC Executive Director Norm Conard 35 years ago. His return serves as a reminder of the lasting connections built through education and cultural exchange.

Honoring Holocaust Remembrance in Kansas

Norm Conard and Donna Bowman recently attended Governor Laura Kelly’s Kansas Holocaust Commemoration in Topeka, joining educators, leaders, and survivors in honoring the importance of remembrance and education.

During the ceremony, Norm participated in the candle lighting ceremony and gave a presentation alongside fellow educators, including Milken Educator and 2015 LMC Fellow Alice Bertels and 2017 LMC Fellow Lindsey Dowell.

The event featured Holocaust survivor Dr. Judy Jacobs, whose powerful story and reflections served as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and sharing survivor testimony with future generations. Numerous television and print media outlets were also present to help share the message of remembrance across Kansas.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

From classrooms and museums to communities around the world, the stories of Unsung Heroes continue to inspire curiosity, compassion, and meaningful learning.

Whether you are a student, educator, traveler, supporter, or first-time visitor, thank you for helping preserve and share these powerful stories with future generations.

We invite you to visit the Lowell Milken Center this summer, follow along on social media, and continue discovering the individuals whose courage and perseverance changed history.

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