Washington Jr. High eighth-grade students got a history lesson in a unique way. Judy Winnick, a retired school teacher travels the country and portrays a specific person from the Holocaust.

 

For her visit to Washington. Jr. High she portrayed Miep Gies, an unsung hero of the Holocaust. Miep helped hide and take care of Anne Frank and her family during WWII. She also is the one the saved and protected Ann Frank's diary from being lost. 

 

She not only helped hide and care for Anne Frank and her family during WWII, but she is also the one that saved and protected Ann Frank’s diary from being lost to the world.

 

Through Judy's monologue, she helps tell Miep's story by reflecting on those historical events. The presentation ties in with what students have been learning in History class.

 

Students had the opportunity to ask questions to both Miep the character and Judy herself. Judy ended the presentation by reading a section from Anne Frank's Diary.

 

"In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”- Anne Frank

 

Judy told the students that respect and tolerance doesn't start with a war but from the moment you're born.

 

"You get to decide how you're going to treat people," said Judy. 

 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Anne Frank's diary being published.