Central Okanagan history teacher Graeme Stacey is heading to Fort Scott, Kansas next week after being awarded a prestigious Fellowship from the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes, an international educational non-profit. In Kansas, Graeme will collaborate with LMC staff and other members of the Fellowship.
Graeme Stacey has long been a leader in social studies education in Central Okanagan Public Schools and the province. He has previously received national awards from the Government of Canada, Citizenship Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, and has been a pioneer in Holocaust education since the early 2000s. His work became a driving force in shaping the Genocide 12 course for students in British Columbia.
"It will be an honour to study with and learn alongside this special fraternity, the Lowell Milken Center Fellows. The LMC Fellowship's focus on unsung heroes shares stories that motivate people to make a difference for others," said Stacey. "There's power in stories; stories do not tell students what to think, or how to think, rather they create awareness, authentic empathy, and understanding."
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of role models who have changed the world throughout history.
"We are all very proud of Graeme's work in our district and across BC," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "Collaboration among teachers continues to innovate and create learning opportunities for our students to thrive. Mr. Stacey's work with the Fellowship will help grow an essential area of study that builds the empathy our world so desperately needs."
