Katie Gorka, Senior Advisor for Civic Education at the U.S. Department of Education, visited Wabaunsee Senior High School in Alma, Kansas on March 25 as part of the national History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour. The visit is one of several events organized to celebrate America's upcoming 250th birthday and aims to promote civic literacy among students.
The event brought together 275 students from sixth through twelfth grades who participated in interactive games focused on American history and civics. These activities highlighted the role that Kansas has played in the nation's development and encouraged students to reflect on themes such as civic engagement, patriotism, and citizenship responsibilities.
Gorka said, "Kansas reflects the spirit of hard work, independence, and civic responsibility that has long defined our nation. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, History Rocks! helps students connect those values to the American story and see how they can carry them forward in their own communities."
The History Rocks! initiative is a central part of the Department's plans for America's Semiquincentennial celebrations. In partnership with Freedom 250 and coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, officials will visit schools across all fifty states to showcase high-quality history and civics instruction.
Freedom 250 leads presidential programming for America's milestone anniversary by promoting unity around honoring national history and freedoms while looking ahead to future opportunities. The America 250 Civics Education Coalition brings together organizations including the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, along with over fifty other groups dedicated to advancing civic education nationwide.
These efforts are intended not only to commemorate an important historical milestone but also to inspire a new generation of engaged citizens.
