Ladue Schools’ commitment to student-driven learning continues to shine—this time, on an international stage. Carson Lee, a sophomore at Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) and dedicated Eagle Scout, has been selected to represent Missouri at the prestigious Albert H. Small Normandy Institute (AHSNI)—and he won’t be going alone.

Joining Carson on this powerful journey is LHWHS social studies teacher Ashley Lock, who will return for her third year as a Master Teacher with the program. Together, they’ll participate in this immersive learning experience, which brings history to life in the places it happened.

This highly competitive program offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the events of D-Day and World War II alongside university professors and master teachers, culminating with travel to Normandy, France. Carson is the third LHWHS student in as many years to earn this honor, following in the footsteps of Michael Wise (2024) and Akhil Nadithe (2023), who completed the program with guidance from Lock.

“The Albert H. Small Normandy Institute perfectly exemplifies the student-led learning we value at Ladue,” said Lock. “Rather than passively receiving information, students actively construct historical narratives by researching primary source documents at the National Archives. Visiting the actual historical sites in Normandy transforms abstract knowledge into deeply personal understanding. Students literally walk in the footsteps of history, creating meaningful connections that classroom instruction alone cannot provide."

This summer, Carson will research and honor the life of First Lt. Edmund Landgraf, a Missouri native who served in the D-Day invasion. His work will culminate in a public eulogy delivered at the Normandy American Cemetery, one of the most profound moments of the AHSNI experience.

Lock noted, “History isn't just a collection of distant facts, but stories of real individuals who made profound sacrifices. I hope it inspires Carson and other Ladue participants to be engaged, thoughtful citizens who understand the sacrifices made for our freedoms in the face of fascism. By witnessing firsthand the cost of defending democratic values, students develop a deeper appreciation for civic responsibility."

Carson has already begun this journey with a visit to the St. Louis National Archives, where he and Lock dove into primary source research. He will also give an on-site briefing about the Battle of Pegasus Bridge, showcasing his growing expertise and passion for military history.

Over the course of two weeks, students travel from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., to the beaches, bridges, and battlefields of Normandy, gaining a powerful, firsthand understanding of World War II.

Reflecting on her time with the Institute, Lock shared, “The transformative power of place-based learning has been remarkable to witness—seeing students' perspectives fundamentally shift when they stand on the beaches of Normandy (or taste their first bite of escargot!) creates educational moments that simply cannot be replicated in the traditional classroom. Knowing that our work helps preserve and honor the memory of those who sacrificed everything makes this more than just another teaching assignment; it's become a meaningful way to connect our students to history while preparing them to shape the future.”

As Carson prepares to honor a Missouri soldier overseas, Ladue Schools celebrates his achievement and the unique learning opportunity this experience represents—one that brings history to life in a way few classrooms can.