Senator enjoys visit to center

In addition to listening to concerns from Fort Scottians, U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts on Friday toured the Lowell Milken Center, whose objectives are to teach respect and understanding through project-based learning and inspiring stories of unsung heroes to change behaviors and attitudes.

The Kansas Republican met with Christian Learning Center students Noah Fischer, Madelyn Stark and Mary Fischer and Fort Scott High School student Madyson McColm. All competed in the Kansas History Day competition. Fischer, Stark and McColm will be heading to nationals June 10-14 in College Park, Md.

McColm's project is on Florence Kelley, who fought for child labor rights. Noah Fischer and Madelyn Stark created a documentary on John Leland, who led Baptists in Virginia in a struggle for religious freedom.

Mary Fischer's project was on civil rights activist Grace Lorch. She was awarded an unsung hero scholarship.

Roberts, who makes his home in Dodge City, Kan., learned about the center, the projects the youngsters are working on and one youngster got to ask him a question. "I thought it was a very neat experience to meet those who are in our legislative system," Mary Fischer said.

"It's great to hear our (federal) government is interested in the Lowell Milken Center and Kansas history," McColm added.