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Fischer gets second place for research project
Mary Fischer, a resident of Fort Scott and student at American School, was awarded a $2,000 second place prize in the Lowell Milken Center International Discovery Award competition. The competition was titled: "Students Uncover Unsung Heroes Who Have Changed the World." Fischer was bestowed the prize Wednesday at the Lowell Milken Center in downtown Fort Scott.
According to information made available by Lowell Milken Center, Fischer researched, scripted and starred in the one-woman performance "Gone Too Soon," a tribute to photographer Therese Frare. She snapped what turned out to be an iconic picture of an AIDS patient in 1990, later published in Life Magazine. Frare's photo was considered to be a major turning point in the fight for AIDS awareness.
"It's really an honor to be able to research this point in history, and to learn more about a particular topic in history. It's an honor to be recognized for that," Fischer told the Tribune.
The Discovery Award competition required projects to be classified as either documentary-multimedia; performance or website. Fischer's project was classified in the performance category. The criteria for projects included: Portrayal of an unsung hero whose work has shown impact over time and has shown a change in history; originality of topic and research; potential for life beyond development of the project; and ability to inspire students to take sustainable actions to continue the legacies of their subjects.
"You research a broad topic but you find one person who's not well known in history and you bring their story to life," Fischer said. "And to me, that makes history more fun to research, because you're telling someone else's story. And you're telling people about a story they haven't heard."
As part of her project, Fischer performed the Michael Jackson song "Gone Too Soon," a tribute to Ryan White. White was an AIDS patient who lived in Indiana and passed away in 1990 at the age of 18. White's plight was highly publicized due to the discrimination and stereotypes he faced from his peers, as well as a legal battle with his school district. Fischer performed several lines from the song during the awards presentation Wednesday afternoon for those in attendance. During the research portion of her project, Fischer conducted a phone interview with Frare.
"Often (AIDS) patients were discriminated against and treated harshly because of their disease," Fischer said. "There's a huge social stigma against the disease. And Therese's photo shows that these are humans suffering from the disease and we need to treat them like the humans that they are."
According to a press release, the Lowell Milken Center created the Discovery Award to inspire students to uncover unsung heroes and carry out their legacies in their own communities.
"Mary is a young person with passion and a great dedication to finding amazing unsung hero stories and sharing them through performance," said Lowell Milken Center Program Director Megan Felt. "She's an incredible actress and has a beautiful voice. But she also tells the history and shares how this unsung hero really, truly changed the world and had a great impact over time. We're very proud of her hard work and excited to see her receive second place."
Projects entered into the contest were judged by educators who are considered to be experts in project based-learning. During the competition, judges searched for projects which demonstrated impact, creativity and outstanding primary research.
"Mary is an extraordinary young person who has developed great projects of primary research and creativity, and projects which are inspiring for everyone on Unsung Heroes," said Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center Norman Conard. "But this project is just a little bit different. It's a project that's a little cutting edge. And yet, it's one where she could use her voice, her creative talents, and her primary research ability. Mary Fischer is the epitome of great young people, great young students. And being here in rural America from Fort Scott, we're so proud of her."
Fischer, who is currently taking classes at Fort Scott Community College, said she plans on one day attending medical school. Fischer also said she plans on putting her prize money towards her education.
"I'd like to get a general biology or bio chemistry degree and go on to med school and become a physician or surgeon," Fischer said.
Established in 2007, the Fort Scott based Lowell Milken Center discovers, develops, and communicates the stories of unsung heroes who have made a profound and positive difference in the course of history.
"If you have a goal, you should go all the way for it," Fischer told the Tribune. "Try your hardest and your best, and don't give up. Sprint the last 100 meters. (Students) if they want to do projects like this, get in touch with the Milken Center. Because they're been very open to helping students. And they will work alongside you to develop a good project."