U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Elmira High School in New York as part of the Department of Education’s national History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour, which is designed to boost civic literacy among students ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary.
The event featured opening remarks from Secretary McMahon, U.S. Representative for New York Nick Langworthy, Elmira Principal Christopher Rager, and Superintendent Hillary Austin. Students took part in interactive activities and games that aimed to help them better understand America’s founding principles and the historical significance of New York in the nation’s development.
“It was an honor to bring the History Rocks! tour to New York today, home of the Federalist Papers and the pivotal Battle of Saratoga, to celebrate this state’s great contributions to our nation,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “My hope is that as we celebrate this milestone, students in the Empire State are inspired to keep learning, keep dreaming, and keep loving this country – because America’s story isn’t finished, and they will write its next great chapter.”
The History Rocks! initiative is a central part of the Department's America 250 celebrations. It is coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition—a partnership that includes organizations such as the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 other groups nationwide. The coalition focuses on promoting civic education and expanding opportunities for students to learn about key ideas and events in American history.
Secretary McMahon and other officials plan to visit schools across all 50 states through this tour. The aim is to highlight effective history and civics teaching methods that make American principles accessible for students. The tour also encourages student engagement through hands-on learning activities and discussions with community members about ways to strengthen civic education nationally.
Additional information about these initiatives can be found on the Department's website.
