Michael Bertner

"Holocaust Unit" is the winning project created by Bertner for students at Southern Vance High School. The purpose of the project is to help the students learn the importance of human connectivity and responsibility and understand the concept of interconnectivity as a part of the human race. Students will be introduced to the topic of the Holocaust by reading various graphic novels including X-Men: Magneto Testament and The Complete Maus that address the Holocaust in a different light than readers are used to seeing. After reading the novels, students will complete a project that researches recent genocides and use their findings to create a commentary on the United States' policy on genocides. The commentary created by the students will be sent to representatives in Congress and the United Nations. By doing so, students will have the opportunity to lift their voices for those who are voiceless and learn how genocides can be prevented. Bertner, who lives in Durham, hopes that the students and entire school will understand the power of one person.