News Summary
Students from Grandview High School recently presented their locally researched documentaries at the Kansas City History Symposium. This unique course on local history, initiated by instructor Diane Euston in 2017, encourages students to explore significant figures and landmarks in their area. The event featured documentary topics ranging from The River Market to the grand Kirkwood Mansion, allowing students to connect deeply with their city’s past. The symposium provided valuable feedback from local historians, enhancing students’ filmmaking skills and enabling them to share their work on YouTube.
Grandview High School Students Shine with Local History Documentaries
Grandview, a vibrant community known for its rich history, recently became the epicenter of local learning and creativity as students from Grandview High School showcased their hard work at the Kansas City History Symposium. This exciting event was held on December 18 at the Grandview Auditorium, where students presented their locally researched documentaries, highlighting significant figures and landmarks that shaped their city.
A Unique Course Bringing History to Life
Grandview High School stands out as the only public school in the region offering a **_dedicated course on local history_**. The innovative Kansas City History course was introduced in 2017, thanks to the creativity and passion of instructor Diane Euston. Inspired by a project-based class at Rockhurst High School, Euston approached the school district with her proposal in 2016, and it received a warm welcome. Since then, the course has become a staple of the school’s curriculum, allowing students to dive deep into their city’s past.
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
The course isn’t just about textbooks and lectures. Students take field trips that immerse them in the history of Kansas City, learning directly from the locations that tell its story. As the semester wraps up, students embark on the **_exciting journey_** of creating short documentaries. Collaborating in small groups, they engage in various tasks, such as gathering sources, organizing information, interviewing experts, writing scripts, and finally bringing it all together by producing the film itself.
Spotlight on Student Projects
This year’s student documentaries touched on an array of fascinating topics like The River Market and the historic Odd Fellow’s Home in Liberty. Students also explored the **_grand Kirkwood Mansion_**, the influential figure of Thomas Swope, and even the Bushwackers during the Civil War. These subjects not only highlight Kansas City’s intriguing past but also ensure that the students develop a personal connection with the collective history of their city.
Judging and Feedback
At the Kansas City History Symposium, a panel of judges, consisting of local historians and film professionals, assessed the students’ documentaries. They provided invaluable feedback aimed at enhancing the students’ filmmaking skills. Post-event, students have the opportunity to refine their documentaries based on this input and eventually publish their work on YouTube for wider audiences to enjoy.
Immersive Learning Experience
The process of documentary-making is designed to be challenging yet rewarding. It encourages students to delve into research while allowing them to unlock their creative potential. Diane Euston, the course instructor, takes immense pride in the achievements of her students. She believes that this project truly brings to life the rich tapestry of Kansas City’s history, making it relatable and engaging for young minds.
A Legacy of Knowledge
Previous year’s projects are also available for public viewing, celebrating the ongoing legacy of the Kansas City History course. Anyone interested can check out past documentaries at bit.ly/kchistory. Through the lens of film, students not only share stories of their city’s past but also foster a sense of pride and a deeper understanding of their community.
A Memorable Journey
In essence, the Kansas City History course at Grandview High School isn’t just about learning facts; it’s about creating a meaningful connection with the history that surrounds them. The hard work and creativity poured into their documentaries make for an unforgettable experience for students, helping to ensure that the stories of Kansas City live on for future generations. This blend of education, creativity, and historical exploration is what makes the course a phenomenal addition to Grandview High School.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Grandview Independent: Richmond’s Past
- Marion Star: Northmor Football
- KSHB: Grandview High School Drum Majors
- NBC4i: Central Ohio School Levies
- Sentinel Colorado: Grandview Hall of Fame
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Google Search: Kansas City History
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- Google News: Kansas City History Documentaries
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
