Our middle school students transformed into leaders on December 9 as they guided the APS community through the “Anne Frank: A History for Today” traveling exhibit, sharing knowledge and insight they had gained about a young girl whose diary has become one of the world’s most powerful testimonies to hope and humanity. With poise, empathy, and maturity, they welcomed more than 70 visitors and helped create an experience that fostered learning and reflection.
No one felt prouder than L.E. White Middle School Principal Laura Feffer, who saw firsthand how excited her students were to welcome the community to the exhibit. “I am still smiling when I think about it,” Mrs. Feffer said. “I watched these students become leaders in front of my eyes. I’ve watched them step outside of their comfort zones and find their voices, and by the time they stood in front of their peers and the community, they weren’t just presenting—they were owning the moment.”
As groups moved through the exhibit, the students explained photographs, facts, and anecdotes displayed on numerous informational panels, offering insight into the emotions, challenges, and choices faced by Anne Frank and those who lived during the Holocaust. Families also had the opportunity to screen the short film “The Ice Cream Man,” which tells the true story of a man who became an unlikely hero of the Jewish resistance to the Nazis.
Mrs. Feffer thought the entire evening was nothing short of remarkable. “One thing that really struck me was how deeply the community was moved,” she said. “Visitors commented on how meaningful it was to learn from our students, and many expressed how proud they were to see young people leading such important conversations. It showed just how powerful student voice can be.”
APS parent Jim Nuemann agreed. He attended the community night event and walked away impressed with how confidently and thoughtfully the students led the tours. “The students did a terrific job,” he said. “I think it’s so important what they’re doing, and they should be very proud of themselves.”
The students will continue to guide their peers through the exhibit until it closes on December 19. After that, the panels will be packed and transferred to another school district in Allegan County.
Reflecting on the experience, Mrs. Feffer is honored that L.E. White Middle School served as the county’s first host and that her students could share in this experience. “I truly believe the students are forever shaped by this work,” she said. “It was a privilege to witness their transformation.”
