U.S. Department of Education Officials and Education Leaders Highlight Civics Education at “History Rocks!” Events in Tennessee and Missouri

Today, U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka and President and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation Jason Zajac visited Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna, Tennessee. In addition, U.S. Department of Education Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Marianna Davidovich visited Northland Christian School in Kansas City, Missouri. These visits were part of the Department of Education's national History Rocks!Trail to Independence tour, in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday. The tour aims to strengthen civic literacy by helping students personally connect with America's founding principles.

In Tennessee, 300 students in ninth through twelfth grades participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics, as well as the important role Tennessee has played in our nation's history. The event opened with remarks from Stewarts Creek Principal Dr. Sherri Southerland and Zajac, followed by Senior Advisor Gorka. Students explored themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship.

"Tennessee's history is filled with leaders and communities that have helped define what it means to be an engaged citizen, including figures like President Andrew Jackson," said Senior Advisor for Civic Education in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Education Katie Gorka. "As we look ahead to our nation's 250th anniversary, it is critical that students not only learn this history, but understand how it applies to their own lives. History Rocks! is about making that connection real and encouraging the next generation to take ownership of America's future."

"From his early days as a young lawyer on the Tennessee frontier to his service as a U.S. Senator and his election to the presidency, Jackson's life reflects the independent spirit and civic engagement that have long defined this state," said President and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation Jason Zajac. "As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary through History Rocks!, we have an opportunity to help students see that the principles debated and defended here in Tennessee continue to shape our nation today. By studying our past, young people can better understand their role in preserving and strengthening our republic for the next 250 years."

In Missouri, Deputy Assistant Secretary Davidovich visited 250 students in ninth through twelfth grades at Northland Christian School. The event opened with remarks from Northland Superintendent Bryan Prewitt, Dean of Spiritual Development Dr. Kevin Kallin, and Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, followed by Marianna Davidovich.

"Missouri has long played a pivotal role in our nation's story, serving as a gateway for westward expansion and a meeting point of diverse American experiences," said U.S. Department of Education Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Marianna Davidovich. "As we approach our nation's 250th anniversary, History Rocks! gives students the opportunity to connect what they learn in the classroom to the broader American story and better understand how those lessons inform the future."

Background

The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education's celebrations for America's 250th birthday, in partnership with Freedom 250 and coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. Secretary McMahon, Administration officials, and education leaders will visit schools in all 50 states to showcase examples of high-quality history and civics instruction that bring American principles to life.

Learn more about the Department's Semiquincentennial initiatives here.

Freedom 250 leads the presidential programming for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Its mission is to unite Americans around one shared purpose-celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit by honoring our history, cherishing our freedoms, and building the golden age of opportunity for the next 250 years.

Learn more about Freedom 250 here.

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is a national partnership with the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 national and state organizations. This coalition is dedicated to advancing civic education and expanding opportunities for students to learn about the ideas, individuals, and events that define the American story.