Education Secretary visits Georgetown Middle School on national tour

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WKYT) - U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Georgetown Middle School Thursday as part of a national tour celebrating America’s upcoming 250th birthday in July.

McMahon’s stop was part of the History Rocks! “Trail to Independence” tour, which aims to visit every state and connect students to America’s founding ideals.

“I want to hear the loudest round of applause and cheers I can for the greatest country on earth the United States of America,” McMahon said to students gathered for the assembly.

The day began with cheers for America, the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance before McMahon addressed the school.

Tour connects students to founding principles

“For the past few months, my team and I have been traveling all across this great nation with our history rocks tour,” McMahon said.

McMahon drew parallels between historical pioneers and today’s educational innovations.

“In the same way patriots like Daniel Boone carved new paths through the American frontier, we stand at an educational frontier. New innovations in artificial intelligence and other educational methods put us on a similar position to the frontiersmen that trailblazed the path that we are walking today,” she said.

Secretary praises school innovation

McMahon said she was impressed by the school spirit and innovation she encountered at the middle school.

“I really liked when I went into the career pathways section and saw all of the different things that they’re doing, from 3D printing to make parts that they’re going to need, from, you know, the actual medical part. They were, even though it was a rubber arm, they were learning phlebotomy,” she said.

McMahon concluded her visit with a challenge to students.

“Let’s make a promise to keep dreaming and to keep loving this country, because neither America’s nor Kentucky’s story is finished. It’s waiting for you, all of you, to write the next chapter,” she said.

Georgetown Middle School was the only Kentucky stop on the History Rocks! tour.