In June, senior Sydnie Cobb and Professor Jason Butler spent an extraordinary two weeks in Washington, D.C., and Normandy, France, for the culmination of a semester-long program studying World War II and the D-Day invasion, in particular. Along with 14 other pairs of teachers and students from across the country - from Maine to Hawaii - Sydnie and Prof. Butler were chosen to participate in the all-expenses-paid Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom Albert H. Small Student and Teacher Institute.
Having delivered an eloquent eulogy at his gravesite in Normandy, France, Sydnie is now creating a website to honor Sgt. Willie L. Collins of Macon, a Silent Hero from the Normandy invasion whom she researched for several months. She and Prof. Butler will make several public presentations about their research and experiences to veterans groups, historical societies and more.