MARCH 22 , 2024 lagunabeachindy . com 3
Thurston
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response to the call of memory .
“ I love reading these submissions and always look forward to guiding students through the process . They often surprise themselves with their ability to empathize with individuals who lived through unimaginable atrocities nearly a century ago ,” said Thurston Middle School English teacher Laura Silver . “ Their enthusiasm for sharing these testimonies with each other , marveling at the resilience of those who endured , is heartwarming and inspiring . I appreciate LBUSD for allowing us to include the study of the Holocaust in the 8th-grade ELA curriculum . This unit is all about creating empathetic citizens , which is one aspect of our district ’ s learner profile . That ’ s what I get to witness : students who show compassion and kindness and a desire to speak out against injustice .”
Now in its 25th year , the annual gathering attracts participants not just from across the United States but also from various corners of the globe , including students from over 250 middle schools and high schools . Although the writing topics change each year , the primary goal remains constant : offering students the opportunity to connect with the testimony of a Holocaust survivor and to experience being a witness to history .
“ As the principal of Thurston Middle
Izzie Tran reads her winning piece onstage at the awards ceremony on March 15 . Photo / LBUSD
School , I am deeply privileged to engage daily with students who , like Izzie Tran , are passionate about making a positive impact in the world . Izzie truly embodies the spirit of our students : young , yet incredibly motivated to effect change ,” Joe Vidal said . “ Her achievement is a testament to the values we cherish and the hopeful future our students are building .”
Tran was recognized at an award ceremony on March 15 at Chapman University ’ s Memorial Hall . The event , attended by approximately 700 students , parents , teachers , administrators , community leaders ,
and Holocaust survivors , celebrated outstanding student achievements in prose , poetry , art and film , as well as the dedication of their teachers . Firstplace student winners in the United States , their parents or guardians , and teachers will be invited to participate in an expense-paid study trip on June 24-28 to visit the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust , the Japanese American National Museum , and other sites in Los Angeles , as well as to meet with members of The 1939 Society . Read Tran ’ s winning entry or learn more about the Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest .
Izzie Tran ( far left ) stands with two LBUSD contest participants and English Language Arts teacher Laura Silver ( far right ). Photo / LBUSD
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