Education Department’s History Rocks! Tour makes Missouri stop at Christian school

Preserving American freedoms begins in the classroom, a representative from the U.S. Department of Education told secondary students gathered at Northland Christian Schools Tuesday.

“Our founders knew that the most powerful weapon wasn’t a musket or a canon. It was an educated mind. Thomas Jefferson himself even called education ‘the key to preserving liberty by taking personal responsibility, asking thoughtful questions, and learning how to solve problems,’” U.S. Department of Education Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Marianna Davidovich told students.

“You’re doing your part to carry the American story forward,” she continued. “You are building the skills and character needed to keep our Constitutional Republic strong for the next 250 years.”

Davidovich and her team are traveling to all 50 states for the Department’s History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour, in honor of America’s semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday, this year.

“The tour aims to strengthen civic literacy by helping students personally connect with America’s founding principles,” according to a statement from the Department of Education.

Davidovich highlighted the state of Missouri’s significance to American history, noting that Missouri entered the Union as the 24th state in 1821.

“Missouri has long played a pivotal role in our nation’s story, serving as a gateway for westward expansion and a meeting point of diverse American experiences,” she said in a statement.

Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger attended the event and encouraged students to defend America’s unique principles, such as “the revolutionary idea that your rights don’t come from the government, a king or a dictator; they come from God.”

“Freedom does not run on autopilot,” he said. “It depends on the young people, and I need you to keep us free. It depends on people who understand it, people who believe in it, and, most importantly, people who are willing to stand up for it when it’s under pressure.”

Northland Christian sophomore Kacie Montgomery exhorted her classmates on the importance of knowing and using their First Amendment rights by asking questions, staying informed and engaging in conversations.

“Silence does not preserve peace. It often allows problems to go unaddressed,” she said. “When we choose to speak with courage and awareness, we are not only exercising our freedoms. We are helping shape the future of our country.”

As part of the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, The Herzog Foundation, which publishes The Lion, was honored to take part in the programming of the event. Director of Ambassadors & Strategic Relationships Spencer Bone told students education is not merely about dates and facts but, more importantly, education should train youth to build character and execute freedom well.

“The future of this country is going to be shaped by you, by what you believe, by the character you build,” he said. “Freedom doesn’t just continue on its own, it requires people who are willing to understand it and protect it.”

The tour also included trivia questions for the whole audience and a student-face off competition, with prizes. Additionally, The American Journey Experience, founded by historian David Barton and radio host Glenn Beck, displayed historical artifacts, including George Washington’s own compass and a hand grenade once used in warfare.

Mike Noriega, head of outreach for the American Journey Experience, encouraged students to imitate the Founders’ preservation of rights and freedom through personal faith and religious devotion.

“Every generation makes a choice,” he said, quoting George Washington: “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”