Indian Hill Middle School students experience learning from a Holocaust survivor
It was a first-hand, in-person account of lessons they had only studied in typical classroom fashion; Tuesday, May 14, Dr. Al Miller stood before Indian Hill Middle School (IHMS) Braves to share his story of growing up in Nazi Germany as a Jewish child. The Holocaust survivor explained his personal hardships, witnessing the 1936 Berlin Olympics, being separated from his family, emigrating to the United States, and returning to Berlin as an American soldier.
“This was an incredibly powerful presentation for all who attended – students and adults,” said IHMS teacher Courtney Ward, who helped plan the presentation. “Our students were able to make connections from reading the plays The Diary of Anne Frank and The Wave. The biggest surprise for students was his separation from his family and his Nazi classroom experience as a Jewish student.”
Ward said the message Dr. Miller left the audience with resonated: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Ward said the students wrote thank you notes to Dr. Miller as a way to show their appreciation; she said it was clear his message had positive impact. In the words of one student, “You are a real inspiration to all the schools you go to, and I hope to meet you again.”
“This was a lesson our students will not forget,” said Ward. “Through his honesty, and willingness to share his story, Dr. Miller has made a lasting impression on our students and our staff.”
Photo caption: Holocaust survivor Dr. Al Miller presented his story of growing up in Nazi Germany during a presentation at Indian Hill Middle School Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
Posted: Thursday, May 23, 2019