The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) has announced Caitlin Hutt and the Samantha Smith Challenge project as the 2024 recipient of the Conrad Toepfer Award for the Civic Engagement of Middle School Students.

“Since 2018, Caitlin has used the Samantha Smith Challenge to provide her students with a collaborative educational experience that builds bridges between the classroom and the world inspired by Americans Who Tell the Truth (AWTT) project portrait subjects. AWTT was founded by artist Robert Shetterly, who painted 270 portraits of “courageous citizens,” to support the ongoing struggle to realize America’s democratic ideals and model the commitment to act for the common good. As students work through the challenge, they develop connections to global issues they feel passionate about through art that shares their knowledge and perspectives on their chosen topic. The student projects are then showcased for the community in a gallery-style display at the conclusion of the challenge each year.

“I am honored to receive the Conrad Toepfer Award for the Civic Engagement of Young People for The Samantha Smith Challenge Project,” said Hutt on learning of her selection for the award, “The Samantha Smith Challenge Project engages students in becoming activists for issues they find important. It elevates their voices and helps them become strong advocates for change. As a student of mine stated, ‘Hope is power, power is hope. The Samantha Smith Challenge made me feel powerful and hopeful.’ I am very excited to share the inspiring work created by Troy Howard Middle School Students at AMLE24.” . . .

“Hutt will be recognized at AMLE24: The 51st Annual Conference for Middle Level Education where they will also present the project.”

Read entire article on the AMLE website