The Holocaust and Social Justice Education Program of Chautauqua County has selected four county educators for the inaugural Legacy Fellowship for Civil Rights Education, launching this summer.

For years, Leigh-Anne Hendrick, program director, has wanted to create a professional development opportunity for local teachers that would deepen their understanding of civil rights history and its connections to global human rights struggles, including the Holocaust. In July that vision becomes reality as the inaugural Legacy Fellows travel to Montgomery, Ala., for four days of learning.

“These educators are passionate, thoughtful, and committed to helping students understand the historical roots of inequality and the importance of standing up for justice,” said Hendrick. “They represent the best of what it means to teach with purpose, and we’re honored to support their growth through this fellowship.”

The Legacy Fellowship is a competitive and selective program designed to bring educators to the heart of the American civil rights movement. Fellows will visit pivotal historical sites, engage with nationally recognized experts and reflect on how historical injustices intersect across time and place.

The 2025 Legacy Fellows are:

– Greg Cross , Sherman Central School social studies teacher. Cross has taught seventh, eighth, 11th, and AP U.S. History at Sherman since 2021. A graduate of Jamestown Community College and Mercyhurst University, he holds both a BA in history and an MS in secondary education. Cross is involved in co-curricular and professional learning initiatives, including coaching the academic bowl team and founding the Historians for Humanity club.

“There is nothing that invigorates the will to learn and teach quite like traveling and immersing oneself in places of historical significance and heroism,” Cross said.

– Tina Marie Richir, social studies teacher at Cassadaga Valley Middle High School. With 23 years of classroom experience, Richir teaches across multiple grade levels and subjects, including U.S. History, Global History, Economics, Government, and Human Rights & Genocide Studies. She holds a Master’s in disciplinary studies and serves as department chair, instructional coach, and mentor to new teachers.

“I was absolutely thrilled to be selected for the Legacy Fellowship Program’s study tour to Montgomery, Ala.,” Richie said. “This incredible opportunity will allow me to deepen my understanding of the Civil Rights Movement by exploring the places where history was made. I can’t wait to bring back powerful stories, insights, and resources to inspire both students and teachers in my district.”

– Jessica Cowan, school counselor, Chautauqua Lake Central School. Cowan has served as a high school counselor for 17 years, helping students navigate academic, personal, and postsecondary paths. She has helped bring global experiences into the school, including a partnership with a Chinese language program and a recent initiative supporting teacher exchanges in Spain.

“I am so excited to be the student, to join with other curious educators to deepen our knowledge and understanding and then, pass it on to our students,” Cowan said.

– Amy Thompson, social studies teacher at Frewsburg Central School. Thompson has taught for 26 years, allowing her to teach every social studies course offering and write several electives. She also provides instruction for JCC College Connections courses in the Psychology, Business, and Economics departments. Thompson has previously been awarded participation in an NEH Grant on Women’s History, two George Washington Teacher Institutes, a Robert H. Jackson Teacher Fellowship, and a Bill of Rights Institute Symposium on Civil Rights. At Frewsburg, she currently serves as Mock Trial Coach, Student Council Advisor, and First Amendment First Vote Teacher Mentor.

“I am incredibly excited to travel to Montgomery for this learning opportunity and I’m looking forward to collaborating with our cohort of educators,” Thompson said.

The Fellowship itinerary includes visits to the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the Freedom Rides Museum, and Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, as well as sessions exploring the ties between the American civil rights movement and the Holocaust. Fellows will return with deeper insights, curriculum resources, and renewed inspiration for justice-centered education.