“I don't think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl
On Tuesday, March 15, students in Ms. Cobb’s twelfth-grade Literature of the Holocaust Class were joined by Ms. Passmann’s ninth grade Global Studies Honors Class and Ms. Scally’s Global 2 Class in learning about the historical importance of the Holocaust and its effect on our global community. These classes have been researching and exploring the various aspects of the Holocaust and the implications from a geopolitical and humanitarian standpoint.
“The Holocaust is an important time in history to continually revisit,” said Ms. Cobb. “Over the course of history, the lessons and stories from the Holocaust prove to be an important reminder of hope and perseverance. Each year, we take a different approach to learn about its impact – whether by instructional outreach, in-person or virtual presentations to continue the message of understanding and compassion.”
For the March 15 event, students followed a virtual format presentation by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The students watch a 30-minute interview between a Museum staff member and Holocaust Survivor Estelle Laughlin. According to her biography, Ms. Laughlin was born and raised in Poland before being forced to live in a ghetto and later, a concentration camp. This interview was followed by some time for questions and comments from the students. The students thought critically about the questions they had and heard some remarkable stories of strength and determination.
“I share my story with the hope that you will be inspired by the love and courage that shines through human beings even in the worst times,” said Holocaust Survivor Estelle Laughlin. “I tell my story to honor the millions of innocent people, including my family and nearly everyone I knew and trust, because they were Jewish without means to protect themselves and without the support of others to protect them.”
Students in the Literature of the Holocaust class are currently reading a variety of non-fiction as well as fiction novels, poems, and short stories related to the Holocaust. Students will also be viewing movies and reading interviews to gain additional background information on the events and circumstances related to this historical timeline. High school students in the Global Studies classes review the Holocaust, and genocide in general, within their class curriculum.
This event was an insightful and powerful learning opportunity for our students to gain knowledge directly from a primary source, opening their eyes to a world they never lived in.
Information from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum can be found here. To view this unique and important program, click here.
