Summer Spotlight at The LMC: Breaking Records & Sharing New Stories

July 21, 2025

Vol. 6

Summer Spotlight at The LMC:

Breaking Records & Sharing New Stories

Summer at the Lowell Milken Center is in full swing!

There’s so much to celebrate—and even more to explore! This summer, the Lowell Milken Center has hosted remarkable exhibits, welcomed visitors from near and far, and worked alongside educators to keep the stories of Unsung Heroes alive. In this issue, dive into highlights from the Anne Frank exhibit, meet the incredible 2025 Fellows, and find out how you can get involved in upcoming programs and events.

2025 LMC Fellowship: A Transformative Experience

The 2025 LMC Fellowship took place during the last two weeks of June. It brought together national award-winning educators, including two from Canada, for a prestigious professional development experience. This year’s Fellows formed a dynamic group of educators committed to inspiring meaningful change in their classrooms and communities.

While at the Lowell Milken Center, Fellows reflected, recharged, and collaborated with like-minded peers. With personalized support from our team of educational experts, they explored innovative strategies and resources to guide students in creating impactful Unsung Hero projects. The Fellowship strengthened each educator’s ability to lead project-based learning that builds critical thinking, research, analysis, and real-world application.

The impact of the experience was best captured in the Fellows’ own words:

“I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn alongside some amazing educators during our week in Fort Scott! I am grateful for every opportunity the LMC provided to expand our teaching and impact our students.”
— Meghan Menchella, MO

“Being an LMC Fellow reinforced the power and impact of the human story in a world that is so desperately in need of unsung and everyday heroes. The Lowell Milken Center team has world-class educational leaders, fantastic mentors, and embodies the slogan ‘why not you?’”
— Graeme Stacey, British Columbia, Canada.

“On top of the celebrity treatment and ability to grow professionally, the LMC Fellowship gave me the time and space to connect with like-minded educators. The relationships built with the other Fellows and the Center’s staff are by far going to be the largest, lasting impact.”
— Jay Weisman, LA

“The LMC Fellowship was an unforgettable experience that has reignited my passion for project-based learning. The collaboration, resources, and support provided by the center have given me renewed energy to inspire my students.”
— Sandra Hutton, Ontario, Canada

“Becoming a Lowell Milken Fellow was a transformative experience for me. My time at the center, the people we met, and the experiences we had will inevitably become a core memory. After hearing Megan’s story about how her discovery of Irena Sendler has impacted her life and the lives of people worldwide, I am inspired to dedicate myself to enabling my students to make a similar impact through research. The power of students sharing a narrative of those who came before us, whose memories may have been lost to time, is extraordinary. I am so grateful that I can be part of that process.”

— Valerie Conklin, NY

Fellows will return to their schools in the fall ready to help students discover and share the powerful stories of role models who made a difference.

Meet Our Fellows

The Anne Frank Exhibit Brought Record Crowds and New Discoveries of Unsung Heroes to the Lowell Milken Center

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes was honored to host the international traveling exhibit Anne Frank: A History for Today. The exhibit, in partnership with the Anne Frank Center, offered a rare opportunity to learn about Anne Frank, her family, and the courageous individuals who helped them during one of history’s darkest chapters.

The response was incredible—over 5,000 visitors in June, making this one of our most successful exhibits ever. Guests traveled from 18 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, and dozens of school and community groups experienced this powerful educational opportunity.

The Lowell Milken Center extends its gratitude to Megan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow and current Program Coordinator for the Anne Frank Center, for making this exhibit possible in Fort Scott. Thanks to Megan’s efforts and the personal stories shared by visitors, we are uncovering new Unsung Heroes connected to Anne Frank’s story—remarkable individuals whose courage and humanity deserve to be remembered.

“Anne Frank’s story remains as relevant today as ever, reminding us of the dangers of prejudice and the strength of hope,” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this moving experience!

You’re Invited to Join Us for an Exciting New Exhibit Unveiling!

Join us on Thursday, July 24th at 10:00 AM at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes as we unveil an inspiring new exhibit honoring the extraordinary Unsung Hero Oleksandra Shulezhko!

Guests will hear from our team and special participants, including 2023 LMC Fellow Kateryna Molodyk and her Discovery Award-winning students from Ukraine, who created a powerful project sharing Oleksandra’s incredible story.

Following a live Zoom Q&A with Kateryna and her students about their journey, we’ll gather for the big reveal of our brand-new panel. Refreshments will be served as we celebrate this meaningful addition to our gallery.

Location: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM

Witness history come to life, and be part of a story that inspires positive change!

2025 Discovery Award – Submissions Closed

The submission window for the 2025 Discovery Award has officially closed, and our judging panel is now reviewing an incredible collection of projects from students across the globe!

These entries showcase the stories of Unsung Heroes—individuals who made a lasting impact on history—through original documentaries, websites, and performances. This competition not only honors these remarkable figures but also empowers students in grades 4–12 to develop essential skills in research, critical thinking, and creativity.

Be watching for the semi-finalists to be announced next month! For updates, stay connected with us on social media and visit our website.

Honoring Unsung Hero Mary Anning

Last week, the Lowell Milken Center welcomed guest speaker Megan Sims, Collection Manager of Vertebrate Paleontology at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum. Megan shared her expertise and insights in a presentation honoring Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter whose contributions transformed the field of paleontology.

To learn more about Mary Anning’s story and her lasting impact, → click here.

Summer Adventure Awaits at the Lowell Milken Center!

Looking for a fun and meaningful summer activity? Discover incredible Unsung Hero stories through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and our beautiful Lowell Milken Park.

Location: 1 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS
Perfect for families, friends, and history lovers!