In this episode Mission Moments, Brookfield Academy History Department Chair, Ms. Karen Ray, and junior Caroline Gale share experiences from their summer trip to Normandy as participants with the Albert H. Small Normandy Institute, a highly regarded program offered through George Washington University. Their work began months before summer, with extensive reading, writing, virtual discussions, and two major research projects completed outside the regular school day. The experience culminated in travel to Washington D.C., the National Archives, Normandy, and Paris. Together, Caroline and Ms. Ray studied D-Day, explored Canada's often overlooked contributions at Juno Beach, and researched the life of World War II veteran John Leslie Rockwell. At the Normandy American Cemetery, they honored Rockwell at his gravesite and later shared their research with his family, helping them learn more about the father and grandfather they had hardly known. The project reflects an important part of Brookfield Academy’s Mission: educating students in the skills, values, and heritage of responsible, constructive, free people. Through careful research and firsthand encounters with history, Caroline gained a deeper understanding of the courage, sacrifice, and responsibility required to preserve freedom. Her dedication, hard work, and willingness to share what she learned connected her to others across the nation and the world while bringing greater dimension to the story of an individual who gave his life for our country. The experience also strengthened Caroline’s confidence in her abilities as a student and researcher. While the project required significant effort beyond their usual school responsibilities, the two agree that the adventure, laughter, and building relationships with students and educators who share their love of history, made it worthwhile. Listen as Ms. Ray and Caroline reflect on honoring the past, growing through challenge, forming connections, and having plenty of fun along the way. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like more similar content, visit the Mission page of the Brookfield Academy website. If you would like to learn more about Brookfield Academy, our many amazing teachers and programs, and how the school could be a fit for your family, please contact our Admissions Office (admissions@brookfieldacademy.org). More information can also be found at brookfieldacademy.org.
