First Lady of Indiana Maureen Braun visited Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana on March 26 as part of the Department of Education’s national History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour. The visit is one stop in a series celebrating America’s upcoming 250th birthday and aims to promote civic literacy among students.
The event brought together 250 high school students from grades nine through twelve who participated in interactive games focused on American history and civics. Dr. Matt Kegley, Interim Superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, opened the program with remarks before Braun addressed the students. Participants explored topics such as civic engagement, patriotism, and citizenship responsibilities.
"Reading is one of the most powerful tools you have, not just to learn about the past, but to make sense of the present and shape the future. When you explore Indiana’s history, you’re not just studying what happened, you’re discovering the values and decisions that built our state," said Maureen Braun. "From the moment Indiana adopted its Constitution in 1816 and called for education to be available to all, a remarkably forward-thinking commitment for its time, our state has believed in the power of knowledge to shape opportunity and strengthen our communities."
The History Rocks! initiative is a central element of celebrations coordinated by the U.S. Department of Education for America's Semiquincentennial anniversary. The department is partnering with Freedom 250 and working alongside America 250 Civics Education Coalition to highlight effective approaches in teaching history and civics across all fifty states.
Freedom 250 leads presidential programming related to America’s anniversary celebration with a focus on honoring national history while building opportunities for future generations. The America 250 Civics Education Coalition brings together over fifty organizations nationwide committed to advancing civic education for students.
