In honor of Veterans Day, National History Day (NHD) has announced the 56 teachers selected for its newest Silent Heroes® program, Silent Heroes: Untold Stories of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard in World War II.
Among the educators selected from 32 states is Falloncia Earnest of Mabelvale Middle School in the Little Rock School District. She is one of the educators participating in the 2027 program, which will engage more than 800 students in researching the lives and service of more than 120 Veterans of World War II. Students in Earnest's program will be honored during a special ceremony at 2 p.m., Thursday - November 12th, at the school, 10811 Mabelvale West.
Through the program, teachers and students will study the history of the Navy and Coast Guard, World War II and the experiences of Veterans who returned home to their communities. Working with historians and research mentors, student-teacher teams will use a variety of primary and secondary sources to uncover the stories of the Veterans they select.
Earnest and her students will research the life, military service and community contributions of their selected Veteran and ultimately create and publish a profile through the Veterans Legacy Memorial and NHD’s Silent Heroes website. Students will also prepare a eulogy honoring their Veteran for a spring 2027 visit to a local national cemetery.
National History Day says the program provides students with an opportunity to develop historical thinking and research skills while connecting them with the personal and local histories of Veterans.
The 2027 cohort includes educators from across the country representing 32 states and 50 U.S.national or state cemeteries.
Congratulations to Falloncia Earnest for representing Mabelvale Middle School and the Little Rock School District in this meaningful national program and for helping students bring the stories of Veterans and their service to future generations.