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First 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 22, 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. Divided into two cohorts, the first six educators will collaborate with LMC staff this week, with the following six arriving next 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 prepared 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 first six LMC Fellows:
Collin Binko is a 2024 Wyoming Milken Educator and a Jackson Hole High School fine arts teacher and district K-12 fine arts coordinator. Through the work of the music team at Teton County School District, the music program has exploded in the past five years, leading to exciting opportunities for cross-curricular collaboration. Collin has served as department chair, served on the building leadership and collaborative decision-making teams, and is working to align and enhance the K-12 music curriculum. It is his hope to collaborate between the history and music curricula to help create meaningful, lifelong learning experiences for his students.
Katie Botello is a 2019 California Milken Educator and Sunnyside High School’s video production academy coordinator, where her students learn hands-on production skills and earn certifications that land them work in the industry while still attending high school. Katie is National Board Certified in CTE, sits on the board for the Fresno Clovis Community Media Authority completed a Journalism Teacher Fellowship with Cal Matters, and works with Kincade Productions to get students state-recognized production assistant training. In September, she earned a Resolution from the State of California highlighting the work she has completed with her students. Katie loves working with community and business partners to help give her students real-world applications of the skills they learn in class.
Heather Hurt is a 2018 Alabama Milken Educator and fifth grade math, science, and social studies teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East. She is known for her engaging creativity, exceptional relationships with students and parents, and her passion for preparing students for success. Her interdisciplinary, creative, and tech-savvy lessons encourage students to think outside the box while fostering collaboration, curiosity and confidence in the classroom. Within her school community, Heather is recognized for creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to become innovative thinkers and lifelong learners. Her commitment to student growth and creative education reflects LMC’s mission and values.
James Lawlor is a 2024-25 ARTEFFECT Ambassador and social studies teacher at Jericho Middle School, New York, where he fosters student engagement and strengthens critical thinking skills through dynamic project-based learning. His classroom emphasizes inquiry, collaboration and real-world connections, empowering students to take ownership of their learning. By guiding students to explore complex historical and civic issues, James cultivates thoughtful analysis, creativity and a deeper understanding of the world around them. His students regularly participate in LMC’s National Discovery Award competition, where multiple projects have earned national recognition—highlighting their dedication to research, storytelling, and bringing Unsung Heroes to light.
Johnna Stoffregen is a visual art teacher from Andover Middle School, Kansas, and a 2023-2024 ARTEFFECT Ambassador. Johnna’s award-winning art program empowers students to use art as a tool for self-discovery and communication. Young artists are encouraged to take risks and solve complex problems using critical thinking skills essential for life beyond the art studio. Within her district, Johnna serves as the PLC coordinator for the district’s visual arts team, organizing professional learning and fostering communication between teachers and district administrators. She also founded an international travel program, providing opportunities for students and families to immerse themselves in global learning. Johnna provides professional development for adults as well as students by presenting at a variety of conferences and workshops featuring state standards, arts integration, and project-based learning.
Magali Turner is a 2023 New Mexico Milken Educator and fifth grade teacher at Ruben S. Torres Elementary School who is recognized for creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed. Enthusiastic about mathematics, she challenges students to think critically while maintaining high expectations that empower them to push beyond perceived limits. By encouraging focus, perseverance and goal-setting, Magali helps students realize that their effort can open doors to greater opportunities than they may have imagined. She is particularly committed to building strong foundations in math, science and reading—skills that students carry with them long after they leave her classroom. Her innovative teaching style and dedication to student growth have made a lasting impact on her students and the broader school community.
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.