U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Highlights Civics Education at History Rocks! Event in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Sophie B. Wright Charter School in New Orleans, Louisiana as part of the U.S. 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.

Sophie B. Wright Charter School students, as well as select students from each New Orleans public school, took part in a series of activities designed to deepen their historic knowledge of Louisiana and the United States and the important role that civics plays in shaping our nation's future. The event opened with remarks from Secretary McMahon, Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana Superintendent Cade Brumley, and Charter Director Dr. Sharon Clark. Students received prizes through the History Rocks! initiative while exploring themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship.

"Louisiana has played a defining role in our nation's story, beginning with the Louisiana Purchase and continuing through the civic traditions that shape the state today," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. When I visit a new state on the History Rocks! Tour, I remind students that every time they master a new subject, learn a new historical fact, or help a classmate solve a tough problem, they share in the same spirit that pushed our predecessors to build a stronger nation. I appreciate the warm welcome in Louisiana as we celebrate 250 years of the greatest country on earth."

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.