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Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom
The Albert H. Small Student/Teacher Institute
June 15-27, 2013

THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS CLOSED FOR 2012- PLEASE LOOK FOR US IN 2013.

Albert Small Institute banner with official logo

 

“But when the test came, when freedom had to be fought for or abandoned, they fought. They were soldiers of democracy. They were the men of D-Day, and to them we owe our freedom.”
-Stephen Ambrose

Read about the 2011 Normandy Scholars Institute in Soldier magazine here!


Summer Institute 2013

Albert H. SmallNational History Day announces an exciting and unique summer institute for teachers and students. In June 2013, fifteen student/teacher teams will engage in a rigorous study of D-Day and World War II. Students and teachers will be immersed in lectures presented by leading World War II historians, participate in a scholarly study of the war memorials in the D.C. area and walk in the footsteps of history on the beaches of Normandy. Students will study about and make presentations on various aspects of the Normandy Campaign. The last day in Normandy will be a day of remembrance. The students will lay a wreath at the American Cemetery and present eulogies based on individual pre-institute research of a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Institute participants will read eight books in the spring in addition to conducting a historical study of a soldier buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy.  Students and teachers should be prepared for at least ten hours of work per week in preparation for the summer institute.
  

Application Process for Teams of Albert Small Scholars

The teachers will be selected by the National History Day committee based on the following criteria:   

  • Teacher’s resume including full name, work title and institution; the applicant's home and work addresses and phone numbers (home and cell); and a work and home e-mail address.  
  • An essay explaining the applicants’ interest in the institute, stating the applicants’ philosophy of teaching, including how students are engaged in historical research in the classroom now and confirming the applicants’ willingness to make the two required presentations and other school based assignments. Please include a list of current classes and grade level being taught.
  • A letter of support from the applicant's supervisor that attests to employment status in 2012-2013 and agrees to the applicant's making two presentations at workshops or conferences and participate in National History Day beginning in the fall 2013.
  • A letter of introduction to the selected student by the teacher.  Who the student is academically and why this particular student was chosen to be your team member?  We will be reading eight books in the spring along with a historical study of a soldier buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy.  Students and teachers should be prepared for at least ten hours of work per week in preparation for the summer institute.
  • The student essay submitted to be considered for the program or another student writing sample.

Students will be selected by the teacher. (suggested process)

  • Inform all students about the Normandy Institute (sophomores or juniors only).
  • Require a written essay from the interested students about why they would be a good candidate and their dedication to the process.
  • Form a small selection committee of colleagues
  • Create a rubric of criteria for selection (grade point average, evidence of responsibility, dedication to learning opportunities)  
  • Select the student 


Expenses

Travel, room and board will be covered by the institute.  

  • The institute covers room and board (double occupancy) during the institute, field trips, international flights, and materials. 
  • Professional readings.

Participants will:

  • Pay for the airline tickets and transportation costs to and from George Washington University and any other costs incurred for travel, e.g. passport, travel insurance. 

Because of the physicality of the institute all participants must be able to stand for 45 minutes and walk for at least two miles. In addition, the complexity of the institute’s logistics does not allow for families to accompany the selected participants.


Deadline for Applications:

  • Complete applications for the 2013 Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom must be received no later than December 1, 2012.  Please submit the applications electronically to Ann Claunch ann@nhd.org.

    Application Submission Instructions:
    Download the application from the link below to your computer, fill out the information, save it and attach the application with all other required criteria to Ann Claunch.
  • Applicants selected for the 2013 institute will be notified by e-mail no later than December 15, 2012. Questions may be directed to Ann Claunch, ann@nhd.org.


Putting a Face to the Sacrifice of our World War II Veterans.


The major assignment for the students and teachers who went to Normandy was the Fallen Soldier Project. Each student/teacher team researched a soldier from their home state who fought at Normandy and paid the ultimate sacrifice. After exhaustive research the students and teachers created a website dedicated to their soldier's life and ultimate sacrifice. Please logon to the websites and see what stellar work the students and teachers did and read the poignant eulogies to their soldiers that were read at the graves of their unsung heroes.

Private Cecil E. Garner, Oklahoma
Created by Taylor Bromlow

Corporal Eugene W. Morrison, Oregon
Created by Brandon Gunn

Private Arvid L. Setran, Minnesota
Created by Lacy Myrman

Tech. 5 Frank J. Bennino & PFC Horace J. Bennino, Connecticut
Created by Jenna Stone

Private Ruben R. Tellez, California
Created by Tiffany Schumak

1st Lieutenant Brigido Gonzalez, Nevada
Created by Phalguni Vetrichelvan

Tech. 5 Terrence D. Cosgriff, Washington
Created by Joseph Landoni

Major Courtney B. Neilson, Indiana
Created by Jason Lewis

Private John H. Harris, District of Columbia
Created by Erick Chavez

MoMM2 Joseph Vanasky Jr., Ohio
Created by Samantha Fletcher

Staff Sergeant John B. Guerreo, Texas
Created by Ethan Webster

2nd Lietenant Dean A. Woods, Nebraska
Created by Michael Shimek

Sergeant John P. Ray, Louisiana
Created by Kalie Indest

Staff Sergeant James. H. McMahon, Iowa
Created by Jacob Eden


Web Sites In Progress

Corporal Albert J. Jenson, Vermont
Created by Richard Otis

NHD Normandy Web Site Archive
See past Normandy Scholar Web Sites on the New NHD Normandy Web Site Archive Page

National Contest Information

June 15 - 19