Local Educators Complete Intensive Holocaust Education Program in Washington, D.C. 

Amanda Engelke and Karron Ingram Deepen History and Literacy Education Through MCHE's 'KC to DC' Initiative. They were two of only 18 total educators selected to attend the program. 

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — July 2026 — Two local educators—Amanda Engelke, a teacher at Rolla High School (RHS), and Karron Ingram, librarian at Rolla Junior High (RJH)—tackled tough history this summer through an intensive Holocaust education program. The initiative, known as "KC to DC," was sponsored by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE). 

The highlight of the KC to DC program was a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the exhibitions at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). Leading up to the travel experience, educators in the 2026 cohort engaged in many hours of virtual classroom learning led by the MCHE team, as well as an intensive guided self-study assignment on Holocaust history. 

"Visiting the museum and engaging with MCHE's historical experts gave us invaluable context," said Engelke. "It equips us to bring a deeper level of empathy, accuracy, and historical understanding directly back to our students at Rolla High School." 

"Having access to these primary source materials and collaborative connections allows us to transform how our students research and contextualize history," added Ingram. "It was an unforgettable professional development experience that will enrich our entire library program and curriculum." 

The KC to DC program aims to increase educators' historical knowledge, elevate instructional skills, and strengthen long-term connections to MCHE’s team and instructional resources. Another core objective is fostering supportive, professional relationships among the participating teachers. As Engelke and Ingram return to RHS and RJH this school year, both educators are better prepared to implement effective and meaningful Holocaust lessons for their students. 

KC to DC is funded through the generous support of Sam Devinki, whose parents, Fred and Maria Devinki, were Holocaust survivors. The program will go on hiatus while the USHMM renovates its permanent exhibition during 2027 and 2028, and is scheduled to restart in 2029. 

About the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education 

To learn more about professional development for educators, student programs, and community outreach, visit the MCHE website at www.mchekc.org.