DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Holocaust survivor George Marcus visited Downingtown High School West (DHSW) on April 24 as part of its Yom HaShoah observance, sharing his powerful story with students to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event marked the 21st anniversary of the school’s Holocaust Memorial and was organized in partnership with the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center.
The Holocaust Memorial at DHSW, initially created in 2004 as part of a Girl Scout Gold Award project by former student Roseann Bertone, serves as a tribute to Holocaust victims and survivors. Restored in 2022, the memorial features a garden, sundial, and an engraved plaque detailing its history. Students and staff from the school’s Technology Education Department contributed to the restoration by adding accessibility features, including a small bridge.
Born in Cologne, Germany in 1937, George Marcus recounted his early experiences under Nazi persecution, including the arrest of his father and uncle during Kristallnacht. His father was later released from Buchenwald, and the family fled Nazi Germany in 1939, arriving in New York aboard the S.S. Manhattan. Marcus credited the resilience of his family and their determination to survive as central to his story.
Reflecting on the event, DHSW Social Studies teacher Jennifer Martin remarked, “I saw this as an opportunity to not only create an amazing space but also to give our students the chance to hear directly from someone who lived through the Holocaust. This memorial serves as a space for reflection and an alternative learning environment beyond the traditional classroom.”
Justin Brown, Director of Student Relations and School Climate at the Downingtown Area School District (DASD), highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing Holocaust history with future generations. “DASD has long recognized Holocaust education as a fundamental part of the high school experience,” he stated. “Hearing firsthand accounts like George Marcus’ helps students understand the importance of remembrance and history’s impact on the world today.”
The visit by George Marcus not only reinforced the value of Holocaust education but also encouraged students to reflect on the lessons of history in their current lives. The school’s continual efforts to enhance the memorial and host meaningful events demonstrate its commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue.
As DASD continues to prioritize Holocaust education, events like Marcus’ visit serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving these stories for generations to come. The district remains dedicated to ensuring that history’s lessons shape a more informed and compassionate future.
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