In 1999, Kansas teacher Norman Conard encouraged his students to do research on Irena Sendler (1910-2008), a little-known Polish Underground State member who was credited with saving thousands of Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. A dramatic play they eventually produced marked a turning point: it has since been performed 375 times all around the world and became inspiration for several films while Irena Sendler was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize in 2007.

Norman Conard has over 30 years of experience and comes from a family of educators.. A member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, he has received numerous awards. Retired from classroom teaching, he became Executive Director of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

Presented by: Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Toronto and March of the Living Canada