A250PA brings Keystone Classroom Initiative to Clinton County
CLINTON COUNTY – America250PA continued its Keystone Classroom Initiative (KCI) on Monday, October 27th with a visit to Liberty-Curtin Elementary School, Mill Hall Elementary School, Woodward Elementary School, Robb Elementary School, and Renovo Elementary School in Clinton County. The program connects young Pennsylvanians with the history and values that unite us as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
“America250PA is so excited to continue the Keystone Classroom Initiative in Clinton 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 finally arrives.”
Several volunteers and guest readers joined America250PA for this special Keystone Classroom Initiative (KCI) visit, including representatives from the Office of U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, the Office of State Senator Cris Dush, Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, Lock Haven City Councilwoman the Office of U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, the Pennsylvania State Police, and a live portrayal of Benjamin Franklin by reenactor Patrick McBride.
America250PA’s mascot, The Keystone Kid, was joined by Talon of Commonwealth University – Lock Haven, the Bucktail Buck, and Harry the Hynerpeton of Bucktail Area High School 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 Company, Crayola, Utz Quality Foods, Inc., and Natural Food Group, along with contributions from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General.
In total, the program reached over 1,200 K–4th grade students in Clinton County.
The Keystone Classroom Initiative is a storytelling and outreach program for pre-K through fourth grade classrooms, children’s hospitals, and youth camps across the Commonwealth. With the help of age-appropriate historical reenactors, storytellers, local figures, and mascots, America250PA is ensuring students across the Commonwealth learn about their shared Pennsylvania story while building excitement for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The program is made possible thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsors The Hershey Company, 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.
To learn more about the Keystone Classroom Initiative and America250PA, please visit www.America250PA.org or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
About America250PA
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. The Commission is made up of current and past Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state.
America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation. That shared history gives us the foundation to better understand the origins and diverse viewpoints on the challenges affecting both our Commonwealth and our nation. The Commission’s ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. themes of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth.
