This month, our 8th grade students took on a powerful and meaningful project: sharing their learning about the Holocaust with our 5th grade peers through a student-curated exhibit.

This exhibit was the culmination of in-depth historical research, guided by the essential question:
How can we use historical research and storytelling to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and its lessons for future generations?

Each 8th grader chose a specific topic related to the Holocaust to research—ranging from the rise of antisemitism and life in ghettos to stories of resistance, liberation, and the experiences of child survivors. They then created posters that combined historical facts, personal narratives, and visuals to help educate and engage younger students in an age-appropriate, respectful way.

The 5th graders visited the exhibit in small groups, guided by the older students who explained their work and answered questions. This peer-to-peer learning experience created a safe and meaningful space for important conversations about prejudice, discrimination, and the importance of standing up for others.

By honoring the victims and celebrating the resilience of survivors, our students showed that remembering the Holocaust is not just about studying history—it’s about building empathy, promoting justice, and ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.

The exhibit was a moving reminder of how storytelling and education can keep memory alive and shape a more compassionate future.