U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka visited Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha on Apr. 17 as part of the Department’s national History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour, which celebrates America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
The visit aimed to enhance civic literacy among students by encouraging them to connect with the nation’s founding principles. During the event, about five hundred students from fourth through twelfth grades took part in interactive games that focused on American history and civics, highlighting Nebraska's contributions to national development.
The program began with remarks from Chief Operating Officer Nathan Domsch and Chief Executive Officer Sarah Harper, followed by Gorka. Students explored themes such as civic engagement, patriotism, and citizenship responsibilities. "Nebraska has long played a pivotal role in guiding America’s future, from the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad by early pioneers and on to modern day," said U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka. "History Rocks! brings that history into focus for students, helping them see how the values they learn today can prepare them to guide America’s next 250 years."
The History Rocks! initiative is a central part of the Department's activities marking America's semiquincentennial celebrations and is coordinated in partnership with Freedom 250 and the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. As part of this effort, Secretary Linda McMahon and other officials will visit schools across all fifty states to highlight examples of high-quality civics instruction.
Freedom 250 leads presidential programming for the nation's anniversary celebration with a mission focused on uniting Americans around honoring history and expanding opportunities for future generations. The America 250 Civics Education Coalition includes partnerships with organizations such as America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and over fifty other groups dedicated to advancing civic education.
