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

Lacy Rivera (NM ’19)
Fourth grade teacher | Sundance Elementary | Los Lunas, NM

Being an LMC Fellow was a life-changing experience. The Fellows were treated like a royal family; it felt like the red carpet was rolled out for us everywhere we went. Imagine that—educators being treated like celebrities! We were reminded throughout the week that we are not “just” teachers. We are educators of excellence, and by elevating educators, we elevate the profession.

When I received first the Milken Educator Award and then the LMC Fellowship, I thought, “Why me?” It was only once seated at the table—with good people doing great work to leave the world a bit better through education—that I realized I was there for a reason. Like many teachers of excellence, I’ve been called to a profession that is hard and has limitless potential for positive impact. My week in Fort Scott reminded me to take this opportunity, transform it into a responsibility, and relentlessly seek the good through teaching, storytelling, historical inquiry, and creativity. This opportunity has reminded me that individuals do have the power to change the world, but that it is in fellowship with others that we sustain our passion.

Our time in Fort Scott also highlighted the city’s rich history and amazing community. We toured the Fort Scott National Cemetery, explored the Gordon Parks Museum, connected with community members who actively promote youth sports and education, and networked with locals who are fiercely committed to making the world a better place through storytelling and relationship-building. And we learned how we can extend LMC’s mission through project-based learning in our own schools and classrooms. I am looking forward to making connections in my community to help students extend their learning beyond the four walls of a classroom.

My most memorable moments in Fort Scott were those with people. LMC’s goals are lofty and inspiring, but it is the truly inspirational quality of character of those in the LMC network that reminds me to keep doing good work. One Fellow in my group has started a community garden. Another is fearless in his pursuit of opportunities that will make his community better. Another is an author and certified tour guide, and another spent her first year of teaching at a zoo! We practiced yoga and mindfulness with Donna, surrounded by student-created artwork. We played golf with Craig, who dedicates his days to telling the story of Gordon Parks’ life and legacy. We drank coffee at Common Grounds with the center staff, one of whom is a phenomenal children’s book author, another an aspiring educator. We listened to Megan Felt tell her “Life in a Jar” story, sharing tears and photos and vulnerability while we remember that teaching, learning, and storytelling are human acts that, in the best of times, bring people together as more fully realized beings. These moments—these memories—I will forever hold in my heart.

I plan to engage my fourth graders in learning about one hero each week. I have already begun to collaborate with our art teacher, computer lab teacher, and librarian to help me think about how to scaffold the Unsung Heroes projects for younger students, and I am planning to share the Unsung Heroes competitions with secondary educators. I’m also going to connect with our local heritage center, museums, and libraries. I’m optimistic about what will become of this opportunity and believe this project will be one our community will support.