A ‘Life-Changing Experience’: 2023 Fellows Explore LMC’s Unsung Heroes

Victoria Lightfoot (NC ’21)
Instructional coach | Millbrook Magnet Elementary | Raleigh, NC

When I was initially selected as an LMC Fellow, I was expecting my week to be filled with opportunities to learn about the Lowell Milken Center’s Unsung Hero Projects, ARTEFFECT Competition and Discovery Award. I anticipated meeting other Fellows and having the opportunity to learn and grow beside them. I knew it would be empowering. I expected to leave Fort Scott a better educator than when I arrived.

My Fellow experience far exceeded my expectations. I met amazing individuals who share a passion for paying homage to the many individuals who have positively impacted and influenced the world around us. I learned about the stories of Irena Sendler and Gordon Parks, whose bravery, creativity, and persistence paved the way for others to have access to a better life. I had the opportunity to interact with veteran Fellows who shared their experiences and ideas. We also met virtually with LMC Founder Lowell Milken.

The LMC staff were caring, compassionate, thoughtful, and kind. They ensured every minute of our week was fun, engaging, and meaningful. And the friendly Fort Scott community welcomed us with open arms and made sure we did not feel like strangers in their town. We toured historic Fort Scott and the Gordon Parks Museum. Not only did I leave Fort Scott with newfound knowledge, resources, and gifts, I left with new friends and a greater appreciation for the people who took risks so that we could all live a better life today.

I am an instructional coach, so my experience as an LMC Fellow will work its way into our classrooms as I share resources with colleagues and help them embed the Unsung Heroes project into social studies and literacy units. Our state has standards directly connected to researching events and individuals who impacted change in the community and demonstrated good citizenship. I look forward to bringing the Unsung Heroes project to life in our school.