Press Releases
Second Week of 2026 Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Fellows Arrive in Fort Scott, Kansas
Educators embark on a project-based learning journey in discovering, developing and communicating the stories of Unsung Heroes from history
June 29, 2026
FORT SCOTT, Kan.,— Twelve outstanding educators—hailing from Wyoming, California, Alabama, Kansas, New York, Missouri, New Mexico, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa—have been selected for the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes’ prestigious 2026 Fellowship. The Fellowship is divided into two cohorts: Six educators collaborated with LMC staff last week and six are in Fort Scott this week.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. LMC selects exemplary teachers from the U.S. and globally who will engage in projects that discover, develop and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
LMC is an international nonprofit, established in 2007 as a partnership between philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken and 1992 Kansas Milken Educator and history teacher Norm Conard. With headquarters in Fort Scott, Kansas, LMC has hosted visitors from all 50 U.S. states and around the world. The 2026 LMC Fellows will experience the impact of the museum’s walls of Unsung Heroes in-person, bringing the inspirational stories back to their own classrooms to be elevated through powerful student-driven projects.
During their time in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning through the creation of projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
Meet the second group of LMC Fellows:
Liz Anstine is a business teacher at Olathe North High School and 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Teaching a range of courses, Liz is known across the state for her leadership and mentoring, as well as her ability to create a classroom environment that encourages critical thinking, open dialogue and student success. Within her school and beyond, Liz has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her commitment to collaboration and mentorship. Her insight and experience, plus ability to connect classroom learning to the complexities of the real world, will be an asset as she guides students in discovering and sharing the stories of Unsung Heroes.
Elizabeth Hutton is a history teacher at Lebanon High School, Missouri, who has been recognized for her outstanding leadership in guiding students to the National History Day (NHD) national competition in College Park, Maryland. Her long-standing commitment to historical scholarship and student achievement has made her a distinguished figure in the NHD community. A decorated former NHD student competitor, Elizabeth’s former documentary group earned national acclaim after uncovering the story of Irena Sendler, the Polish humanitarian who rescued hundreds of children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust. Their project, Life in a Jar, later inspired both a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie and a bestselling book on the Holocaust. After becoming an educator, she established her own NHD course, where many of her students have earned regional and national recognition for their work.
Jennifer McMunn is a humanities enrichment teacher at Mansfield Middle School, Connecticut, where she provides challenging, relevant learning extensions for all students. She leads the school’s NHD program, and this year she’s focused on developing local history units for America 250. Jennifer enjoys seeking opportunities to grow as an educator. She’s a Fulbright Fellow and a Connecticut Writing Project Teacher Consultant. In 2024 and 2025, she participated in the Young People’s Continental Congress, sponsored by NHD and Carpenters’ Hall, both as a participant and as a teacher-mentor. Jennifer recently attended the Teaching 250 Convening in Philadelphia to help develop curricular materials for America 250.
Elizabeth Metts is a 2025 Massachusetts Milken Educator and National Board Certified ninth grade history teacher at Excel Academy Charter High School. Elizabeth empowers her students to excel through a flipped, self-paced ancient world history classroom rooted in hands-on learning. Since her arrival at Excel, student participation in AP World History has doubled—developing a vibrant group of learners who not only immerse themselves in the evolution of civilizations, cultures and social advances around the world, but also gain an appreciation for their place in it. Elizabeth is a ninth grade team leader, hiring committee member, new teacher mentor, professional development leader, National Honor Society coordinator, and after-school homework club leader. She coaches through Excel's Teaching Fellowship program, serves as a Teach Plus Massachusetts Policy Fellow and as a CURATE Fellow for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Danyel Smith is a 2024 California Milken Educator and American Sign Language (ASL) teacher at Alta Loma High School who has grown the ASL program to serve over 20% of the student body, reflecting the program’s strong reputation and student demand. Her advanced ASL students pursue the state’s Seal of Biliteracy and earn an average of 12 college credits through articulation agreements. They also lead workshops for younger learners through her “Sprouting Signers” initiative, extending language access into the broader community. Danyel serves as the world language department chair and has built partnerships with local colleges, strengthened articulation pathways, and created opportunities for students to engage with Deaf culture and real-world applications of language. Through her work, she champions accessibility, representation, and the belief that language connects communities.
Kelly Steffen is a history teacher at Vinton-Shellsburg High School, Iowa, who brings 26 years of experience to the classroom. In addition to her high school role, she prepares future educators as an instructor of Secondary Methods for Social Studies Teachers at Mount Mercy University. She also serves as department head, building leadership team member, and union president. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes lifelong learning, place-based education, and civic responsibility. Kelly encourages students to actively engage with their communities and understand their role in sustaining democracy. Beyond the classroom, she organizes an annual Veterans Day assembly attended by more than 2,000 people and participates in educational seminars across the country. Her dedication to education has been recognized with honors including Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year (2025) and Iowa History Teacher of the Year (2019).
About LMC
Established in 2007 by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken and Milken Educator Norm Conard (KS ‘92), the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (LMC) discovers, develops, and communicates the stories of Unsung Heroes who have profoundly and positively impacted history, yet are largely unrecognized by contemporary generations. LMC has reached over 3,000,000 students in all 50 states and worldwide. Learn more about LMC and the Discovery Award. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.