On May 14, in the Little Theater on behalf of the Shawnee Mission North choir, second generation Holocaust survivor Sam Devinki spoke to students on the impact of the Holocaust on not only his family but on the world.

His family came from Wodzislaw, Poland, where they escaped from the grips of the Nazi regime and lived in the cellar of a farmer nearby for three years until the country was liberated by the Soviet Union. Born in a displaced persons camp, Devinki came to America as a young boy, first living in New Orleans, Louisiana then eventually being relocated to Kansas City.

“The goal of the event was for student to get information from primary sources regarding this event in our history,” Choir director Juli O’Mealey said. “So that they have some prior knowledge before visiting the museum. As we visit our nation’s monuments, it’s important for us to remember both the bright and dark periods in our history.”

Through June 11-14, 30 members of the choir along with eight parents will be visiting Washington D.C. as a way to learn about their nation’s history as well as taking advantage of the opportunity to perform at some of the nation’s most famous monuments.

“DC will be an opportunity to share choral music with our larger, national community and get to see our nation’s capitol and monuments.” O’Mealey said. “We’re scheduled to perform at the steps of the Lincoln memorial as well as a retirement home for veterans while we’re there.”