Grantee: Peperzak Middle School

SAGA funding will support the creation of a student-produced graphic novel that tells the story of Holocaust survivor and Spokane resident Carla Peperzak. This project will engage 150 local middle school students under the guidance of teaching artist Kim Vandervert, professional artist Corinna Ren, and community consultants including Carla Peperzak herself, Dr. Kristine Hoover, director of the Gonzaga University Center for the Study of Hate, and Clement Lye, Gonzaga filmmaker who produced a documentary on Carla’s life. Students will be responsible for producing the graphic artwork themselves, learning how to transform story into powerful visual narrative using professional techniques. Together, this team will guide students in creating an interdisciplinary work that celebrates history, art, resilience, and the importance of helping others whenever possible.

The graphic novel will be student-driven. Students will conduct research, storyboard scenes, and design illustrations. Each of the 150 students will contribute a specific piece of work—whether through research, writing, illustration, or design—while participating in collaborative decision-making about the overall story and aesthetic direction. This ensures broad and authentic student participation while maintaining professional quality through guidance from teaching and consulting artists.

The completed novel will be approximately 30 pages in length and will be printed for distribution to Spokane schools, libraries, and community organizations. Copies will also be shared at a community launch event where students and partners will present their work to families and the public.