Honoring Our Heroes: Mrs. Carpenter’s Journey with National History Day and the “Local Heroes” Project

At Collins Career Techincal Center, we believe history isn’t just something found in textbooks—it’s personal, woven into the stories of real people who shaped our world. We’re thrilled to share that our social studies teacher, Mrs. Darla Carpenter, has been selected to participate in a unique project with National History Day (NHD). She’s one of just 55 educators nationwide chosen to research and memorialize U.S. military service members, and her work is already inspiring a powerful new initiative right here on campus.

Researching Private Curtis Crawford Bryant

For her NHD project, Mrs. Carpenter is delving into the life and service of U.S. Army Private Curtis Crawford Bryant. This research-driven initiative connects educators with the stories of fallen military members, giving them the tools to uncover personal histories and honor their legacies. Through archives, military records, and historical documents, she is piecing together the story of PVT Bryant—his life, service, and ultimate sacrifice.

But for Mrs. Carpenter, this isn’t just an individual research project—it’s the start of something much bigger.

Bringing History to Life: The “Local Heroes” Project

Inspired by her work with NHD, Mrs. Carpenter is launching an exciting new initiative with her junior Government students. The “Local Heroes” project will encourage students to uncover the military history within their families and communities. Each student will select a family member or local figure who has served overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces during a conflict. Using the same research methods Mrs. Carpenter applied to PVT Bryant’s story, they will gather information, explore archives, and document these service members’ experiences.

The students’ research will then be featured on a “Warrior’s Wall” in her classroom—a heartfelt tribute to those who have served. But this isn’t just a classroom display. Mrs. Carpenter plans to showcase the project during next year’s Veterans Day Ceremony, when her current juniors will be seniors, ensuring these stories are honored in front of the entire school community.

A Project with a Lasting Impact

Mrs. Carpenter hopes this experience will give students a deeper connection to history—one that goes beyond facts and dates. By researching real people and their sacrifices, they’ll see how history has shaped their families and communities.

“I hope my students enjoy this project as much as I have,” she shares. “It’s been an incredible journey learning about PVT Bryant. I can’t wait to see what my students uncover about their local heroes.”

This initiative is more than just a research project—it’s a way to ensure that the sacrifices of service members are never forgotten. Through education and remembrance, Mrs. Carpenter and her students keep history alive, one story at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates on the “Local Heroes” project. If you have a family member or community hero you’d like honored, we’d love to hear their story!