Arlene Keeyes | Second Generation & Education Team Member

Arlene Keeyes is a retired elementary school teacher who taught in the Lakeside Union School District and also served on the Board of the Cal Trans Preschool.

When The Butterfly Project began in 2006, Arlene started to use their literature-based lessons in her 3rdgrade classroom.  Only years later would she know what an impact this had on one of her former students.

As a senior at SDSU Heidi and her sorority sisters went on a trip to Europe.  While there I received a message and video on Facebook of Heidi and friends at Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland.  Her message said, “Mrs. Keeyes, we came here to learn more because of what I started to learn in your class.” This let me know that the lessons I taught had an impact on students.  Even as early as 2006 my dream was to work as an educator with The Butterfly Project.  The opportunity came in 2013 when I retired from teaching in Lakeside.  Jan Landau, Co-founder of TBP asked me to join her in forming an Education Team.  I couldn’t have been more overjoyed.

My parents who were Holocaust Survivors are no longer alive, but I know they would have been very proud that I am carrying on their legacy and that of the six million others who perished in the Holocaust.  Not only am I able to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to upper grade students all over San Diego County and various classrooms around the US, but I’m also able to tell the personal stories of my parent’s time during WWII.  Something else that is taught to students is the importance of being an Upstander, someone who stands up for the rights of others who are not able to do it for themselves to help make the world a more peaceful place.  The painting of a ceramic butterfly at the end of a lesson is a physical way to express their feelings.  Students also sign their name as a participant of The Butterfly Project to remember the past, act more responsibly in the present, and to help create a more peaceful future.  They come to realize they have a responsibility towards others and are now equipped to go forward and be an example for others.

I’m proud to teach The Butterfly Project and convey the important lessons of gratitude, hope and resilience that we all need in today’s world.

Arlene Keeyes studied at San Diego State University, Point Loma Nazarene University and National University.  She holds a BS degree in Child Development and a Masters degree in Educational Technology.