Students at Moscow Middle School and future teachers from the University of Idaho connected over this year’s Common Read, “The Small and the Mighty” by Sharon McMahon, as part of an America250 initiative, according to an April 22 announcement. The project aimed to highlight unsung heroes in American history while fostering community between university students preparing for teaching careers and middle schoolers.
The collaboration is significant because it encourages both groups to explore overlooked figures in U.S. history and understand how educators have shaped society. It also supports communication skills and community building ahead of the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Rebecca Mitchell, who moved to Idaho Falls in 1880 and was elected chaplain of the Idaho state legislature in 1897—the first woman in the United States to hold that position—was among those featured in discussions inspired by McMahon’s book. The America250 project was developed by Lena Udekwu, a doctoral student at the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. “Our primary goal is to provide opportunities for communication and community building while celebrating America’s 250 years,” Udekwu said. “We focused on this theme of unsung heroes to explore and develop ideas for teaching that included book discussions between undergraduate students and middle school students, as well as a podcast on themes derived from the Common Read.”
Middle school librarian Paige Mangini worked with Udekwu on a podcasting component where students interviewed local leaders including University President Scott Green, Vice Provost Blaine Eckles, Football Coach Thomas Ford Jr., and student ombuds Mario Pile at the university library studio. “’The Heroes Without Headlines’ podcast is completely created, directed and edited by the [middle school] students,” Mangini said. “The Common Read guides the whole project… The podcast is all about shining a light on local changemakers in our community.”
U of I instructor Erin Corwine said that “this project is meant to build community between the middle school students and U of I education students,” supporting peer-led book club discussions among younger participants.
Middle school student John said: “We want to create a long-lasting ripple effect to benefit our town, as well as to create a new community within our school, where people can talk openly.” Student last names were withheld at Moscow Middle School’s request.
LJ Aguirre, an education major from Meridian at University of Idaho shared: “I was one of those kids that didn’t like school, but reading these stories… lets me know I’m on the right track.” Math education major Gabriella Swanson added: “I had so much help with all my math classes…and I want to duplicate that and pass it on.”
As America approaches its semiquincentennial anniversary, projects like this aim not only to honor lesser-known contributors but also strengthen bonds across generations through shared learning experiences.