05/29/2026
Orange County’s youth are doing great things! Ms. Conley, we are lucky to have you teaching these children and we thank you for all that you do for our community.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange
Students at Prospect Heights Middle School in Orange County, VA, recently demonstrated how exploring local community stories can deepen our understanding of the past and inspire meaningful commemoration for the future.
Last fall, the group participated in the Smithsonian’s Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange program, which connects educators and classrooms across the country in semester long learning collaborations. Advised by Orange County History teacher Jennifer Conley, they were paired with students in Houston, TX led by fellow Democracy in Dialogue Facilitator, Desna McDonald. Under the guiding theme of “Building School Pride Through Student Voices,” the two classes explored the unique stories of their communities and shared their discoveries with their counterparts over the course of their fall exchange.
One project group in Orange decided to focus their efforts on learning more about the history of their school. They found that the school started as a segregated elementary school 70 years ago, not far from the current building, and over time, the transitioned into a middle school named “Prospect Heights.” Through primary source research with newspaper archives and individual interviews, the students pieced together the memories and moments of the school’s past. One student reflected, “Being part of the Prospect Heights research project helped me feel closer to my community because I learned about people and stories that are often forgotten. It made me realize that history is not just something in textbooks, but something connected to real families and places around us today.”
Even after the research ended and the project was officially completed, the students continued the work. They were determined to ensure the stories were preserved and honored for future generations. Collaborating with school leaders, local organizations, and even the granddaughter of Evangeline Z. Mallory, the woman who originally named the school, they helped design a commemorative plaque that bears her name and now stands at the entrance of Prospect Heights.
In April, former teachers, alumni, and community members gathered for a ceremony to celebrate the installation of the plaque. One student concluded, “The plaque is important because it honors the history of Prospect Heights and gives future generations a chance to learn about the people who helped shape our community.”
The project highlights the value of local storytelling in building community awareness and illustrates the growth, and agency students develop when interest and encouragement intersect.
To learn more about the Smithsonian's Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program, please visit: https://www.si.edu/educators/democracy-in-dialogue-virtual-exchange-program
