U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Jack Britt High School on Wednesday as part of the Department of Education’s nationwide History Rocks! “Trail to Independence” tour, highlighting civics education and North Carolina’s role in American history as the nation prepares for its 250th anniversary this year.
Jack Britt High School Principal Dr. Queesha Tillman opened the event by welcoming McMahon and emphasizing the significance of the moment for students and staff.
“We are honored and grateful to host such a distinguished guest here today,” Tillman said. “Your presence affirms the importance of education, leadership, service, and the collective work we do every day to prepare young people for the future.”
Tillman told students the visit was an opportunity to represent their school community and its values, referencing the school’s motto, “New Horizons, United for Excellence—the Britt Way.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, coalition partners include organizations such as the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, a national nonprofit focused on conservative youth activism and civic engagement founded by Charlie Kirk, and Hillsdale College, a private Christian institution based in Michigan known for its classical liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on civics education.
The initiative is part of a national effort coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a partnership of more than 50 national and state organizations focused on expanding civics education and student engagement.
The visits have drawn criticism from some educators and advocacy groups, who argue the initiative blurs the lines between civic education and political advocacy groups because of the organizations involved.
Similar events in other states have prompted protests and debate over the program’s sponsors and messaging, but no demonstrations were reported during Wednesday’s visit at Jack Britt High School.
Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy addressed the audience at the event, highlighting the role of history and civics in student development.
“Moments like today remind us that learning history and civics helps students develop the knowledge and skills they need to engage thoughtfully in their communities,” Bracy said, thanking the U.S. Department of Education and McMahon for spending time with students and educators.
McMahon, a North Carolina native born in New Bern, said she was proud to return home as part of the tour.
“A few states have elevated America, but not as much as North Carolina—the Tar Heel State,” McMahon said, pointing to the Halifax Resolves, which made North Carolina the first colony to formally call for independence from Britain.
She highlighted the state’s continued impact on American history, from the Revolutionary War to aviation, noting that battles such as Guilford Courthouse marked key turning points in the fight for independence.
“When the Wright brothers took flight on the sandy hills of Kitty Hawk, they weren’t just accomplishing their long-sought goal to fly—they were fulfilling their destiny as Americans,” McMahon said, quoting the brothers’ belief that “the best dividends on labor invested have invariably come from seeking more knowledge rather than seeking more power.”
McMahon told students they do not need to write declarations, fight battles, or unlock the secrets of flight to shape the nation’s future, but instead can do so through everyday actions.
“Every time you solve a math problem, read an extra chapter, help clean a classroom or support a fellow student, you’re building a foundation of hard work and moral character—not just for yourselves, but for our nation,” she said. “You are the next generation of great Americans.”
Major General Bray Hopkins, Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg, noted the upcoming birthday of the U.S. military and encouraged students to reflect on family members who have served.
“If you raised your hand to any of those questions, you need to understand that your parents, siblings, and grandparents helped write the history of this nation,” Hopkins said. “You are the connective tissue that binds this community together.”
The program included interactive games led by school staff, where students waved small American flags and answered civics and history questions, such as North Carolina’s nickname and which war secured American independence. Students received prizes, including hats, T-shirts, and water bottles, provided by the History Rocks! “Trail to Independence” initiative.
Jonathan Rupert, a Jack Britt social studies teacher, said the program is intended to energize and engage K–12 students not only around Revolutionary history and the nation’s founding, but also local history and opportunities for continued learning throughout 2026 and beyond.
Student Government Association President Aidan Froa closed the program by welcoming McMahon and highlighting the school’s commitment to excellence.
“Madam Secretary, we hope today’s visit has shown why Jack Britt High School stands among the nation’s very best schools,” Froa said.
During a brief media availability, McMahon addressed questions about inclusion in history education, saying schools should focus on teaching accurate history that acknowledges all voices.
“As far as I’m concerned, there’s only one history — and that’s the accurate history,” McMahon said. “We must acknowledge all of our heroes and heroines, those who were treated unjustly, and ensure every individual, regardless of skin color or religion, is recognized equally under the law.”
To contact education reporter Dasia Williams, email dwilliams@cityviewnc.com.
