Unsung Heroes Semi-Finalists To Be Revealed

August 15, 2025

Vol. 8

The 2025 Semi-Finalists — Stories That Inspire!

2025 National Discovery Award Semi-Finalists Announced!

We are excited to reveal this year’s talented semi-finalists, students whose powerful projects reveal the untold stories of Unsung Heroes from around the world. Their creativity, research, and storytelling shine a light on individuals who made a lasting impact yet remain absent from most history books.

Finalists will be announced on September 2, so stay tuned to see who advances to the next round.

Explore the full list of semi-finalists and be inspired by the stories that are shaping tomorrow’s changemakers.

See the Semi-Finalists

More Insights from The 2025 Fellows

”The LMC fellowship is a week full of being poured into by the most dedicated and passionate staff, the most welcoming and open townspeople, and the unexpected charm and quiet gravitation of the small town itself, so educators leave with their professional cups overflowing with renewed inspiration, a stronger network, and the ability and drive to make a positive difference in more students’ lives.”

~ Kelly Ryan, LA

“The Lowell Milken Fellowship highlights the best of what public education has to offer. As educators we all work to help students use their creativity and dive deep into topics they are passionate about; that’s what helps set them up for their best post secondary success. The work of this Fellowship offers educators even more tools to build spaces for success within and beyond their classroom.

Some of what I loved most about my week at the Lowell Milken Center was being able to see the range of passions that other Fellows and LMC staff demonstrated. It shows how finding and celebrating unsung heroes can cross all disciplines.”

~ Brian Skinner, KS

“The LMC Fellowship will reshape my approach to curriculum design by emphasizing the importance of spotlighting unsung heroes and fostering student engagement through both in-depth research and the creative development of projects intended for public sharing. I deeply valued the opportunity to collaborate with fellow like-minded educators and to connect with the LMC and Fort Scott community, whose warmth and generosity were truly moving. A piece of my heart remains in Fort Scott, Kansas, and I return feeling inspired and energized for the new school year.”

~ Jennifer Klein, CT

Your Story Could Change the World.
Learn how students use the Discovery Award to highlight Unsung Heroes who inspire positive change.

The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time to start discussing potential topics for the 2026 Discovery Award competition. This unique opportunity invites students in grades 4–12 to use their creative talents to research primary sources and develop outstanding projects (documentary, website, or performance), that shine a light on Unsung Heroes. These remarkable individuals serve as powerful role models and inspire others to create change.

Staff Spotlight: Norm Conard

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our CEO, Norm Conard.

A visionary educator and tireless advocate for project-based learning, Norm has dedicated his career to inspiring students and teachers to uncover and share the stories of Unsung Heroes. His leadership at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes continues to shape classrooms across the country and around the world.

Norm Conard is a third-generation educator who taught for over 30 years, during which time he developed non-traditional teaching methods that extend the boundaries of the classroom. One of his great sources of pride is having seen over 60 of his students achieve national recognition in the national history competition, and almost 200 students receive state history awards. He is known internationally for his development of projects that teach respect and understanding among all people and for innovation in project-based learning.

Norm’s leadership at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is another step in the process of bringing innovative educational ideas to the classrooms of America and around the world. He mentors teachers in the development projects that feature Unsung Heroes, such as the Irena Sendler Project, Life in a Jar.

A member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, Norm has received much local, state and national recognition for his work, including the Milken Educator Award in 1992. He is a Kansas Teacher of the Year, National Secondary Social Studies Outstanding Teacher, USA Today All-American Teacher, Nationally Board Certified educator and the 2012 Kansan of the Year. Mr. Conard retired from classroom teaching in 2007 to become CEO of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

Back to School 2025–2026

A new school year is here, and we wish students, teachers, and school leaders a great start! We’re excited to see the creativity, curiosity, and new ideas that will take shape in classrooms this year.

Just a reminder! If you’re looking for a meaningful and engaging experience for your students or organization? Plan a field trip to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott! Explore inspiring exhibits like the Irena Sendler story, try hands-on activities and our new digital art board, stroll through the Lowell Milken Park, and enjoy a kid-friendly scavenger hunt.