Students from Grandview High School working on their documentary projects as part of the local history course.
Students from Grandview High School recently presented their locally researched documentaries at the Kansas City History Symposium. This unique course on local history, initiated by instructor Diane Euston in 2017, encourages students to explore significant figures and landmarks in their area. The event featured documentary topics ranging from The River Market to the grand Kirkwood Mansion, allowing students to connect deeply with their city’s past. The symposium provided valuable feedback from local historians, enhancing students’ filmmaking skills and enabling them to share their work on YouTube.
Grandview, a vibrant community known for its rich history, recently became the epicenter of local learning and creativity as students from Grandview High School showcased their hard work at the Kansas City History Symposium. This exciting event was held on December 18 at the Grandview Auditorium, where students presented their locally researched documentaries, highlighting significant figures and landmarks that shaped their city.
Grandview High School stands out as the only public school in the region offering a **_dedicated course on local history_**. The innovative Kansas City History course was introduced in 2017, thanks to the creativity and passion of instructor Diane Euston. Inspired by a project-based class at Rockhurst High School, Euston approached the school district with her proposal in 2016, and it received a warm welcome. Since then, the course has become a staple of the school’s curriculum, allowing students to dive deep into their city’s past.
The course isn’t just about textbooks and lectures. Students take field trips that immerse them in the history of Kansas City, learning directly from the locations that tell its story. As the semester wraps up, students embark on the **_exciting journey_** of creating short documentaries. Collaborating in small groups, they engage in various tasks, such as gathering sources, organizing information, interviewing experts, writing scripts, and finally bringing it all together by producing the film itself.
This year’s student documentaries touched on an array of fascinating topics like The River Market and the historic Odd Fellow’s Home in Liberty. Students also explored the **_grand Kirkwood Mansion_**, the influential figure of Thomas Swope, and even the Bushwackers during the Civil War. These subjects not only highlight Kansas City’s intriguing past but also ensure that the students develop a personal connection with the collective history of their city.
At the Kansas City History Symposium, a panel of judges, consisting of local historians and film professionals, assessed the students’ documentaries. They provided invaluable feedback aimed at enhancing the students’ filmmaking skills. Post-event, students have the opportunity to refine their documentaries based on this input and eventually publish their work on YouTube for wider audiences to enjoy.
The process of documentary-making is designed to be challenging yet rewarding. It encourages students to delve into research while allowing them to unlock their creative potential. Diane Euston, the course instructor, takes immense pride in the achievements of her students. She believes that this project truly brings to life the rich tapestry of Kansas City’s history, making it relatable and engaging for young minds.
Previous year’s projects are also available for public viewing, celebrating the ongoing legacy of the Kansas City History course. Anyone interested can check out past documentaries at bit.ly/kchistory. Through the lens of film, students not only share stories of their city’s past but also foster a sense of pride and a deeper understanding of their community.
In essence, the Kansas City History course at Grandview High School isn’t just about learning facts; it’s about creating a meaningful connection with the history that surrounds them. The hard work and creativity poured into their documentaries make for an unforgettable experience for students, helping to ensure that the stories of Kansas City live on for future generations. This blend of education, creativity, and historical exploration is what makes the course a phenomenal addition to Grandview High School.
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