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Warren G. Moses History Lecture | Clayton Paul Hilliard
Mr. Hilliard has always valued the power of learning and his education served as a springboard into a very successful career as an entrepreneur, independent oil man, and industry leader. Always looking for ways to give back, he also became a philanthropist and generous donor to educational and cultural institutions in the city of Lafayette and throughout southern Louisiana.
In his conversation with 7th grade and Upper School students, Mr. Hilliard shared the importance of being a lifelong learner and keeping perspective that every single one of us has something they can both contribute to the world and that they can learn from it. Mr. Hilliard also shared his gratitude.
An integral part of the lecture series is the Moses Scholars Competition. Over nearly two decades, Mr. Hilliard has become one of The National WWII Museum’s most ardent advocates, supporting its educational mission and the preservation of oral histories as well as serving as Chairman of the Board from 2018–20. It has been said that Mr. Hilliard will likely be the last WWII veteran to serve as the Chairman of the Board for the National World War II Museum.
With this in mind, students were asked to reflect upon the following prompts for this year’s essay contest: What does our society stand to lose with the passing of the WWII generation? What impact might that have on our understanding of history, and what lessons from their era should we hold on to?
Over forty members of the junior class participated, and several diverse reflections were received on topics such as hope, family, loss (both personal and for society as a whole), and inspiration derived from the spirit of unity and perseverance that Mr. Hillard’s generation demonstrated during and after the war.
The winners, as chosen by members of the Newman History Department, were:
Honorable Mention: Catherine Fitzpatrick, Sydney Gallagher, Aria Jolly, and Ellie Zurik.
Second Prize: Sachin Dasa and Audrey Bagot.
First Prize: Eli Friend.
A full recording of this years Warren G. Moses History Lecture can be viewed here.
A full recording of this years Warren G. Moses History Lecture can be viewed here.
1903 Jefferson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
An independent,
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade
