America250PA brought its Keystone Classroom Initiative (KCI) to GGB and School Street elementary schools Wednesday to engage and educate Pennsylvania youth about our shared Pennsylvania story in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

“America250PA is so excited to continue the Keystone Classroom Initiative in McKean County and engage our next generation of Pennsylvanians at an age-appropriate level,” said Cassandra Coleman, America250PA executive director. “This program will allow us to visit with over 50,000 Pennsylvania students all across this commonwealth by July 4, 2026, when this historic anniversary rolls around.”

Several volunteers and guest readers joined America250PA for this special Keystone Classroom Initiative (KCI) visit, including McKean County Commissioner Tom Kreiner; Miss Pennsylvania 2024 Page Weinstein; representatives from the office of state Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville; America250PA-McKean; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania School Boards Association; and Bradford Area School District. Along with classroom readings, third- and fourthgrade students participated in a special assembly featuring Historic Philadelphia Inc. and a live portrayal of William Penn.

America250PA’s mascot, The Keystone Kid, and King’s College’s mascot Leo the Lion were on hand to distribute swag bags filled with Pennsylvania-themed goodies, including an America250PA T-shirt, a pencil and a custom-designed Pennsylvania coloring book. Students also received treats from Pennsylvania-based sponsors such as The Hershey Co., Crayola, Utz Quality Foods Inc. and Natural Food Group, along with contributions from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state police and the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General.

Kim Swanson, principal of Blaisdell Elementary School, said, “The Keystone Classroom Initiative is a wonderful opportunity to educate our young learners at GGB about Pennsylvania history and inspire future leaders. We are especially looking forward to the visit, featuring age-appropriate reenactment and storytelling.”

Sarah Tingley, principal at School Street, said, “We feel that this visit will reinforce what students are learning in their social studies classes. Guest speakers will present the information in a new way that engages students differently. We look forward to seeing how they respond and hope it sparks a desire to continue exploring Pennsylvania’s history on their own.”

In total, the program reached more than 800 pre-K through fourth-grade students in McKean County.

The Keystone Classroom Initiative is a storytelling and outreach program for classrooms, children’s hospitals and youth camps across the commonwealth. With the help of age-appropriate historical reenactors, storytellers, local figures and mascots, America250PA works to ensure students across the commonwealth learn about Pennsylvania’s story while building excitement for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The program is made possible thanks to support from presenting sponsors The Hershey Co., Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, The Hawk Family Foundation, UPMC & UPMC Health Plan, The Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the University of Pittsburgh, Access, Allied Services, Independent Graphics Inc. and Benco Family Foundation.

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the General Assembly and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.

To learn more about the Keystone Classroom Initiative and America250PA, visit America250PA. org.