An Achievable Dream (AAD) was honored to welcome the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to An Achievable Dream Middle and High School in Newport News on Friday, January 8th. The visit was part of the Secretary’s nationwide History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Joined by Governor Glenn Youngkin, Secretary McMahon toured classrooms and participated in an engaging assembly, seeing firsthand the incredible learning happening every day at An Achievable Dream.
Secretary McMahon will be visiting schools in all 50 states as part of this initiative, showcasing examples of high-quality history and civics instruction. The tour highlights hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire civic engagement and leadership among students nationwide. An Achievable Dream was honored to be selected as the school to represent Virginia—a powerful recognition of our model and its impact.
“It was a joy to visit Virginia and celebrate America’s founding, honoring the Commonwealth’s storied contributions to our great republic – the birthplace of eight U.S. Presidents! As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, understanding our founding principles and the rights guaranteed to American citizens has never been more important,” said Secretary McMahon.
Secretary McMahon and Governor Youngkin visited classrooms seeing lessons focused on U.S. history, geometry, and character development. The Secretary engaged directly with students and teachers, seeing firsthand the confidence and professionalism our Dreamers bring to every interaction.
“We were honored to welcome Secretary McMahon and showcase the incredible work happening at An Achievable Dream,” said Dr. Lee Vreeland, President & CEO of An Achievable Dream. “Her visit underscores the impact of the AAD model, which transforms lives by preparing students not only academically, but with the confidence and character to thrive as future leaders. This is the model for the future of education—a unique public-private partnership that proves what’s possible when education and community come together.”
The visit culminated with a special school assembly attended by over two hundred 9th-12th grade students, dignitaries, and special guests. The assembly included remarks from Secretary McMahon, President & CEO of An Achievable Dream Dr. Lee Vreeland, Mayor of Newport News Phillip Jones, Chairman of the Newport News School Board Dr. Terri Best, Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools Dr. Michele Mitchell, and Principal Debbie Hudgins.
“I have been to about half of the states in the country visiting many schools, and I have not seen this model and how it is working. It’s impressive when students walk up to you, shake hands, look you in the eye, and say what they want to say,” Secretary McMahon shared during her remarks.
Dreamers shined brightly, showcasing their knowledge through history-themed games led by Principal Debbie Hudgins and Teacher Lori Buck, testing their understanding of America’s founding principles and Virginia’s history. Students demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and enthusiasm as they answered challenging questions and earned prizes through the History Rocks! Initiative.
“Thank you to our dedicated team and Newport News Public Schools for making this event such a success,” said Dr. Vreeland. “Our strong partnership with the Newport News Public Schools makes this model so powerful, and together we are proving what’s possible when education and community come together to support our students.”
