Recently, Carthage High School history teacher James Christensen had the incredible opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., as part of the KC to DC program hosted by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education.
The program brings educators from Missouri and Kansas together for an immersive professional development experience at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they explore new teaching resources, engage in meaningful discussions, and strengthen their understanding of Holocaust education.
During the trip, Mr. Christensen collaborated with teachers from across the region—including neighboring communities like Carl Junction, Springfield, Golden City, and Coffeyville —to share ideas and develop new ways to bring this important history into the classroom.
In addition to his time at the museum, Mr. Christensen had the opportunity to visit many of our nation’s most iconic landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and other historic sites throughout Washington, D.C. Experiencing these places firsthand provided valuable historical context and new perspectives that he looks forward to sharing with his 9th Grade World History and Honors World History students.
One of the most meaningful moments of the experience was meeting Sam Devinki, who was born in a Displaced Persons camp after World War II. Mr. Devinki shared his family’s story of survival after many of his relatives were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. His story offered a deeply personal perspective on the lasting impact of the Holocaust and served as a powerful reminder of why preserving these histories for future generations is so important.
The KC to DC program is made possible through the generosity of Sam Devinki, whose parents, Fred and Maria Devinki, were Holocaust survivors. Thanks to their support, educators are able to return to their schools with new knowledge, valuable resources, and a renewed commitment to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust with accuracy, empathy, and purpose.
Mr. Christensen is excited to bring the resources, perspectives, and connections gained through this experience back to his 9th Grade World History and Honors World History classrooms at Carthage High School. Students can look forward to engaging with new primary sources, survivor and family testimonies, and expanded lessons on the Holocaust, resistance movements, and the importance of standing against hatred, prejudice, and intolerance.
In Mr. Christensen’s own words: “It was an honor and a privilege to participate in the KC to DC program this summer. The Holocaust was a major turning point in human history, and now more than ever, it is essential that we teach our students not only what happened, but also why it happened and what we can do to ensure that history never repeats itself. This was truly the experience of a lifetime, and one that will stay with me throughout my teaching career. I look forward to bringing what I learned back to Carthage High School and sharing this knowledge with my students and colleagues.”
A special thank you to the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and the Devinki family for making this incredible opportunity possible.
The KC to DC program will pause in 2027 and 2028 while the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum renovates its permanent exhibition. The program is expected to resume in 2029.
