Civics Education Program USA: University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue Spotlights Civics Education During History Rocks! Tour Visit
ACWORTH, GA — The national spotlight turned to Georgia this week as University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue visited Allatoona High School in Acworth during the U.S. Department of Education’s History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour. The visit highlighted how the school is reshaping the way students learn about America’s founding principles through a modern and engaging Civics Education Program USA.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, schools across the country are working to reconnect students with the core values that shaped the United States. The Civics Education Program USA is at the heart of this effort, and Allatoona High School is quickly becoming a model for how hands-on learning can build stronger civic understanding.
A Hands-On Approach to America’s Founding Ideals
Chancellor Perdue — also a former Georgia Governor and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture — spent time meeting with students, teachers, and district leaders to experience firsthand how Allatoona is bringing civics to life.
Following the national anthem and pledge of allegiance, he delivered inspiring remarks on why strong civic knowledge is more important than ever. With the Semiquincentennial approaching, Perdue emphasized how a well-designed Civics Education Program USA helps students see themselves as active contributors to America’s future, not just learners in a classroom.
Students then participated in interactive games tied to U.S. and Georgia history, reinforcing the message that civics can be exciting, personal, and deeply relevant.
Sonny Perdue Praises Allatoona’s Innovative Civic Learning Model
“Allatoona High School is helping young people understand American history not as something in a textbook, but as a story they are part of,” Chancellor Perdue said.
He explained that when students learn the nation’s founding ideals in a relatable way, a strong Civics Education Program USA can strengthen leadership skills, improve college readiness, and open doors to meaningful careers. By connecting historical principles with modern challenges, schools can empower a new generation of informed citizens.
History Rocks! and the Push for Stronger Civics Nationwide
The History Rocks! initiative is a flagship effort within the U.S. Department of Education’s America 250 celebrations. The program is supported by the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, which includes national partners such as the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 civic organizations across the country.
Together, these partners work to expand access to high-quality civic learning and strengthen the Civics Education Program USA nationwide. The tour recognizes schools that successfully bring history to life and create environments where students feel connected to America’s story.
A National Movement to Rebuild Civic Understanding
The visit to Allatoona High School underscores a growing national commitment to improving history and civics instruction. The Department of Education and its coalition partners are encouraging families, educators, colleges, and community groups to work together to strengthen the Civics Education Program USA and provide more opportunities for hands-on learning.
Through the History Rocks! Tour, federal and state leaders aim to highlight schools that inspire civic pride and help young people grow into knowledgeable, engaged American citizens. For many students, programs like these not only teach U.S. history but also help them understand their personal role in shaping the country’s future.
Why Civics Matters for the Next Generation
As the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, the need for a strong, modern Civics Education Program USA has never been clearer. Today’s students will become tomorrow’s voters, leaders, innovators, and educators. Strengthening civic literacy now ensures that the next generation is prepared to uphold American values and participate meaningfully in public life.
Allatoona High School’s commitment to this mission — and Sonny Perdue’s recognition of their work — reflects a nationwide effort to make civics education engaging, relevant, and accessible for every student.
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