Constitution Day [1] is celebrated to commemorate the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. Great Hearts Harveston [2] recently celebrated the enduring significance of America’s Constitution with their inaugural Constitution Day Celebration. Parents, guardians, teachers, and administrators gathered alongside the academy’s high school scholars to reflect on the historical conversations that continue to shape our nation’s future.
“Celebrating Constitution Day honors the framer’s vision and it allows us to reflect on the values that unite us as Americans,” said Head of School Drew Thomas, as he welcomed guests and made introductions.
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The event featured a special address from Dr. James Stoner [4], Professor of Political Science at Louisiana State University [5] and Great Hearts Board member. Dr. Stoner invited students and families into a discussion about how the founding ideals of liberty and equality live on today through the Constitution.
Dr. Carol McNamara, Director of the Great Hearts Institute [6], reflected on the importance of the occasion. “Constitution Day is the occasion for celebrating the moment in American history when the thirty-nine delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the United States Constitution in 1789. It was fantastic to watch James Stoner engage the school’s first class of 9th graders in a conversation about how the Constitution fulfills the promise of the Declaration of Independence.”
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“In his address, Professor Stoner very helpfully introduced the Harveston [2] students to the ways in which the revolutionary spirit of the Declaration of Independence inspires and informs the articulation of the democratic principles and the rule of law embedded in the Constitution,” added McNamara.
Students also took part in the program by reciting passages, bringing the words of America’s founders to life for their classmates and families. “Our students have been learning about the constitution’s significance,” said Thomas, “and today they’re going to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.”
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McNamara expressed gratitude for the support that makes such events possible. “The Great Hearts Institute is grateful for the partnership of the leadership at the Harveston Upper School [2], and for the annual support of the Jack Miller Center Constitution Day Initiative [9] for our Constitution Day events.”
The Constitution Day celebration at Great Hearts Harveston [2] marked the beginning of what will become a treasured tradition for students, families, and the wider community of East Baton Rouge, honoring the ideas and documents that continue to inspire the American spirit.
Watch the full video of the event here:
Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contactjmoore@greatheartsamerica.org [10].
Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/ [11].