Franklin Central Seniors, Moses Stevenson and Kaylin Hawn, were recently honored for their exceptional essays at the “Evening of Light” Gala hosted by the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Indianapolis. The annual event celebrates the enduring legacy of Holocaust survivor Eva Kor, an Auschwitz survivor and one of Dr. Mengele’s twin experiments whose life’s work centered on the transformative power of forgiveness and the courage to “never, ever give up.”
The “Evening of Light” Gala was held at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The Gala featured an awards ceremony, dinner, and a screening of the award-winning short film “The Ice Cream Man,” the true story of Ernst Cahn, an Amsterdam man whose act of defiance inspired one of the largest protests against Nazi occupation. Actor Noah Emmerich, who stars in the film, shared his reflections on the story and personally congratulated student honorees, including Moses and Kaylin.
Reflecting on his experience, Moses said, “With joy and gratitude, I was honored to attend the ‘CANDLES Evening of Light’ ceremony. The event celebrated the lasting legacy of Eva Kor, and I was humbled to have my essay recognized. This experience has inspired me to keep improving my writing so I can help make the world a better place, as Eva Kor did. A special highlight was speaking with the film’s lead actor, Noah Emmerich, whose encouragement, along with support from others, deeply moved me. I hope my essay can inspire others to spread kindness and hope in the world.”
Moses, who immigrated from Uganda, was deeply connected with Eva Kor’s message of perseverance and forgiveness. His essay reflected on how “the ability to imagine a better future sustained me through suffering,” a truth that resonated powerfully with his own life story. His teacher, Mrs. Lisa Laker, said, “Moses really connected to Eva Kor’s legacy of hope with his own personal story stemming from his childhood in Uganda. His essay reflections included, ‘Looking back, I see how the ability to imagine a better future sustained me through suffering. My story is a testament to the truth that even in the darkest places, hope and perseverance can carry us into new life.’ I am so proud of the academically focused, compassionate young man Moses is inside and outside of the classroom.”
Mrs. Laker also highlighted Kaylin’s creativity and the heartfelt sensitivity she brings to her writing. “Kaylin is a curious learner and talented creative writer,” she said. “This shines in her essay when she ponders, ‘I want to ask her how she did it. How she truly, and I mean truly forgave them. I want to learn to forgive like her. I want to learn how to love life like her.’”
Franklin Central Principal Zak Tschiniak celebrated Moses, Kaylin, and Mrs. Laker, highlighting their achievement as a powerful example of the FTCSC mission—making a difference through purposeful learning and meaningful collaboration. He shared, “Those of us within the walls of Franklin Central High School have long enjoyed the academic prowess of our gifted young minds. Now, Kaylin and Moses have taken this light to illuminate the greater Indianapolis and Central Indiana community with thought-provoking and creative prose that strikes at the heart of Eva Kor’s legacy. Simply put, our community is better because they are Flashes. And our community is anchored by the living legend of Mrs. Lisa Laker, who not only coaches these young minds to realize their best selves but also selflessly provides the stage for them to impact humanity.”
Mrs. Laker’s literature classes also participate in a CANDLES workshop to learn more about Eva Kor’s message of “hope, healing, respect, and responsibility.” This is just one example of how Mrs. Laker and our FTCSC staff are Igniting Purpose every day in our students. Through opportunities like these, Moses, Kaylin, and other Franklin Central students continue to exemplify what it means to be a Flash—academically driven, compassionate, and dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.
As Mrs. Laker reflected, “Both Kaylin and Moses represented all it means to be a Flash at the ‘Evening of Light.’ Keep shining!”
#IgnitingPurpose #WeAreFlashes