America250PA brought its Keystone Classroom Initiative (KCI) to Windber Elementary School today, engaging young Pennsylvanians in an interactive learning experience about the Commonwealth’s history and shared story as the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary in 2026.
“America250PA is so excited to continue the Keystone Classroom Initiative in Somerset 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 State Senator Patrick J. Stefano, State Rep. Jim Rigby, Somerset County Commissioner Irvin Kimmel, Somerset County Treasurer Anthony DeLuca, Somerset County Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court Sharon Ackerman, Somerset County Prothonotary Jeannie Custer, Paint Township Secretary-Treasurer Wendy Senior, and Jenna Ogburn from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
America250PA’s mascot, The Keystone Kid, and Rosemont College’s mascot Renny the Raven 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 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.
Charles Beckley, Windber Elementary School’s Principal, shared his thoughts before the event: “I think that this visit will be a rewarding experience for our students because it gives them a better insight into our rich history of Pennsylvania!”
In total, the program reached over 500 Pre-K–4th grade students in Somerset 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.