The Shadow
Covington Middle School celebrated VA250 on September 4, 2026. As part of the celebration, the VA250 Mobile Museum came to the school. The mobile museum is a traveling, quad-expandable tractor-trailer called “Out of Many, One” that brings interactive American Revolution history directly to Virginia schools and communities. The displays feature timelines, technology displays, and videos highlighting Virginia’s history from the Revolutionary War to the present day. The goal is to offer accessible learning for all age groups throughout the Commonwealth.
September 4 began at 8:25 a.m. around the flagpole, with red, white, and blue serving as the dress code for the day. The National Anthem was sung by eighth-grader Penelope Thompson, followed by Jacy Burdette singing “God Bless America,” preceded by a brief history lesson about this special song. It was very heartwarming to see Lee Fry and David Oviedo saluting our flag as Jacy Burdette sang “God Bless America.” The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Luke Bradley.
Curfman Hall was filled with 600 students on Friday, September 4, as Covington Middle School celebrated 250 years of America. The ceremony opened with Principal Lori Mattson presenting awards to Covington Middle School students who participated in the VA250 “Creative Commonwealth” statewide sticker competition. Students created original designs celebrating what makes Virginia special.
The winners were:
- Jayonna Ray – 6th grade, 1st place
- Jay’ Lee Lowry – 6th grade, 2nd place
- Harmony Hardy – 6th grade, 3rd place
- Taniya Peterson – 7th grade, 1st place
- Brooklyn Wallace – 7th grade, 2nd place
- Emma Markham – 7th grade, 3rd place
- Sienna Turner – 8th grade, 1st place
- Liliana Boguess – 8th grade, 2nd place
- Kinsley Jefferson – 8th grade, 3rd place
Congratulations to the CMS winners! We’re proud of our students for sharing their creativity and celebrating Virginia’s history.
After Mrs. Mattson recognized the winners of the VA250 sticker contest, the students broke into groups by grade level to take part in various activities throughout the school, beginning with a VA250 history lecture in the auditorium.
Other activities included arts-and-crafts chains and do-it-yourself flags in the cafeteria. Students then moved to the gymnasium, where they participated in “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” received a popsicle, and danced to celebrate.
Luke Bradley welcomed a room full of very excited students. Their enthusiasm could be seen both during the assembly and at the VA250 Mobile Museum. It was a great experience not only for the students, but also for the members of the VA250 crew who gave the tours.
Thank you, Colby Lowry, a Hot Springs resident, and Uday Illia, for a job well done. Bradley also thanked Linda Morrison and Marian Paxton, VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary members, for all their hard work and support of the school and the VA250 Mobile Museum.
Mr. Linsin followed by reading the Declaration of Independence. Phil Amick of the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society gave a presentation on the history of the Alleghany Highlands during the American Revolution and the sixteen soldiers from this area who served. Amick also talked about the seven signers of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia. The Alleghany Highlands played a key role in the Revolutionary War.
From the beginning of the VA250 Mobile Museum’s visit to its departure, we would like to thank everyone at the VA250 Commission, beginning with Delegate Terry Austin and Program Manager Jeremy Martin, as well as the museum attendants and the drivers who delivered and set up the VA250 Mobile Museum, James Alexander (welcome back, James!) and Craig Holbrook.
Auxiliary members Linda Morrison and Loretta Lambert made sure everyone was well fed. Until another time, thank you all!
Principal Lori Mattson Comments
“Having the VA250 Mobile Museum at CMS was an incredible opportunity for our students to experience history beyond the pages of a textbook. It brought Virginia’s story directly to our campus, allowing students to explore, learn, and connect with the history that has shaped our Commonwealth and our nation. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this experience possible and proud that our students had a front-row seat to history as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
“A huge thank you to Marian Paxton for her hard work, incredible dedication, and tireless efforts to bring the VA250 Mobile Museum to CMS this week! Marian, you continue to open doors for our students and help make opportunities like this possible. We are SO grateful for your support and for everything you continue to do for all of us at CMS!”
Luke Bradley Comments
“We would like to thank everyone involved in our day of celebration for America and VA250. It was certainly an exciting day with many activities. Most notably, the VA250 Mobile Museum was on site and was spectacular, as usual.
“I would personally like to thank Delegate Austin, Marian Paxton, and Linda Morrison for working to provide our students with the incredible opportunity to tour the museum. I would also like to thank the amazing team at VA250 for their work on that day. We are proud to be able to celebrate our freedoms and our privilege to live in the greatest nation in the world!”
Jacy Burdette Comments
“VA250 caught me emotionally by surprise. As a teacher, this was the first time I’ve seen this generation truly embody patriotism and showcase why America is such a great nation. The sense of pride, curiosity about the past, and optimism for the future were inspiring.
“Students made connections to the past, dreamed of a better future, and celebrated the present. I felt honored to witness this incredible opportunity given to our middle school students. The memories made will last a lifetime.”
We would like to recognize the CMS teachers who helped coordinate this special event starting with Luke Bradley, Civics and Economics Teacher and History Department Chair, and Jacy Burdette, Theatre Arts and Career Technology Educator. Other CMS staff members included the CMS History department for their help in planning, as well as Ms. Mattson, Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Thomas in our art activity, our CMS PE Department for our games and fun.
A very busy day at Covington Middle School as they celebrated 250 years of America.
Jacy Burdette singing “God Bless America”
VA250 Creative Commonwealth statewide sticker competition winners: Front row: Jayonna Ray – 6th grade, 1st place; Jay’ Lee Lowry – 6th grade, 2nd place; Harmony Hardy – 6th grade, 3rd place Back row:Taniya Peterson – 7th grade, 1st place; Brooklyn Wallace – 7th trade, 2nd place; Emma Markham – 7th grade, 3rd place; Sienna Turner – 8th grade, 1st place; Liliana Boguess – 8th grade, 2nd place; Kinsley Jefferson – 8th grade, 3rd place
