Eleven-year-old Everlee Ellis, a fifth-grader at John Tyson Elementary School in Springdale, has created a digital map chronicling her teacher’s extraordinary journey—a 950-mile bike ride along the Trail of Tears. This project isn’t just a classroom exercise; it’s a heartfelt tribute to a significant historical event and a personal journey of heritage.
Using skills acquired in her Education Accelerated by Service and Technology (EAST) class, Everlee crafted a detailed map of Nika West’s ride. West, the Springdale Har-Ber girls’ wrestling coach, embarked on the “Remember the Removal” bike ride to honor his Cherokee heritage. The ride, a moving tribute to the historical Trail of Tears, spanned multiple states and retraced the path taken by the Cherokee people during their forced removal.
Everlee’s map isn’t just a collection of lines and markers; it’s a narrative woven from photos and stories shared by West. By clicking through the interactive map, viewers are taken on a journey through the landscapes and moments that marked West’s ride. Her project was so compelling that it earned her a finalist spot in the Go-Map 26 ArcGIS competition at the 2026 EAST conference.
Gathered in the classroom, you could feel the excitement as Everlee clicked through the photos with West by her side. The room buzzed with curiosity and admiration as classmates learned about the trek that combined physical endurance with cultural remembrance. Everlee’s eyes lit up as she shared how she matched each pinpoint on the map with a piece of history or a story from West’s journey.
The map serves as a bridge, connecting students and the community with a crucial part of American history. It’s also a testament to the power of technology in education, demonstrating how digital tools can bring history to life in ways that textbooks alone cannot. Everlee’s project not only highlights her technical skills but also her deep understanding of the importance of preserving and sharing history.
For families looking to have a meaningful discussion with their children about history and heritage, Everlee’s project offers a wonderful starting point. You could spend an afternoon exploring the Trail of Tears online, learning about the past while appreciating the present through Everlee’s eyes. It’s an opportunity to make history feel personal and relevant, sparking conversations about resilience and remembrance.
Everlee’s achievement, recognized at a state level, reflects the innovative spirit of Springdale’s educational programs. It’s a reminder of how young minds in our community are engaging with the world creatively and thoughtfully, using technology to build bridges to the past.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
