The stop in Fayetteville featured student-centered activities focused on American and North Carolina history, including educational games highlighting key moments such as the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution.
McMahon said the tour is designed to reinforce foundational aspects of American history while also emphasizing the role state and local leaders should play in education.
"When we talk about the revolution, we talk about the Declaration of Independence, we talk about our Constitution," McMahon said. "We talk about the battles that were fought here in North Carolina. I think that history is the history of the United States, and that's what needs to be taught everywhere."
During her visit, McMahon reiterated the administration's position that education decisions are best made at the local level, arguing that schools closest to students are most equipped to serve them.
"The absolute best education, I believe, is that education that's closest to the child," she said. "Who better than the local community?"
Jack Britt High School Principal Dr. Queesha Tillman said the visit was a point of pride for the school and its students.
"It's an honor," Tillman said. "Any time we can give a positive, forward-facing event for our school is always a plus."
The tour comes at a time of significant changes within the U.S. Department of Education, including proposed cuts to federal education funding. Tillman said events like the tour could help spark dialogue about the future of public education.
"We're hoping that events like this will maybe spark some change, some more debate," she said. "Our kids are our future, and we want to give them the best and the brightest and all the resources that we can."
The event was sponsored by a coalition that includes Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization founded by Charlie Kirk. The group's involvement raised concerns from some parents during a Cumberland County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday evening, who questioned the presence of a partisan organization in a public school during instructional hours.
McMahon defended the partnership, saying the organization supports civic education and patriotism.
"We're very happy to have Turning Point USA as part of this coalition," she said. "Civics is something that we need to teach everywhere in our country and our love of country."
Cumberland County Schools officials acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that student participation in the event was voluntary.
"This was an optional event," said Dr. Lindsay Whitley, associate superintendent of communications and community engagement. "Students were not required to attend."
Tillman said students responded positively to McMahon's visit.
"Our kids were enthusiastic," she said. "They were very participatory. They were excited about her visit."
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