America250PA brings its Keystone Classroom Initiative to Kistler Elementary
May 15—WILKES-BARRE — William Penn, who was born in 1644 and died in 1718 — which would make him 380 years old — came to life on Thursday at Kistler Elementary School as part of America250PA's Keystone Classroom Initiative.
And Mr. Penn delivered a historical summary of his significant life to the delight of the students.
Mr. Penn, who founded the Province of Pennsylvania — the British North American colony that became the U.S. state of Pennsylvania — was played by Robert Gleason, appropriately of Philadelphia. The students learned much about Mr. Penn and the democratic principles that he set forth, having served as an inspiration for the U.S. Constitution.
America250PA continued its Keystone Classroom Initiative (KCI) — a program that connects young Pennsylvanians with the history and values that unite us as we prepare to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026.
"America250PA is so excited to continue the Keystone Classroom Initiative in Luzerne County and engage our next generation of Pennsylvanians at an age-appropriate level," said Cassandra Coleman, America250PA executive director and former mayor of Exeter Borough. "This program will allow us to visit with more than 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 the special Keystone Classroom Initiative (KCI) visit in Luzerne County — including State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown, representatives from the Office of U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr., the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, Vicki Austin of WVIA, Chris Bohinski of WYOU/WBRE, Miss Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Victoria Vespico, and Miss Lebanon County Kristen Griffiths.
America250PA's mascot — the Keystone Kid — was joined by Tux, mascot of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and Leo the Lion, King's College's mascot, to distribute swag bags filled with Pennsylvania-themed goodies, including an America250PA T-shirt, a pencil, and a custom-designed Pennsylvania coloring book.
Coleman said 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.
In addition to classroom readings, third- and fourth-grade students attended a special assembly featuring Historic Philadelphia Inc. and a live portrayal of William Penn.
"We are very excited for our students to gain a deeper understanding of Pennsylvania's history," said Corey Brenner, Principal of Kistler Elementary School. "Many of our students don't yet realize the impact our state has had in so many aspects of the growth of the United States. This visit will help bring that history to life and inspire pride in our shared heritage."
In total, the program reached over 800 students in Luzerne County on Thursday. Overall, Coleman said the program will reach more than 50,000 PA students by July 4, 2026.
Coleman said 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.
Coleman said 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.
To learn more about the Keystone Classroom Initiative and America250PA, visit www.America250PA.org.
About America250PA
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the General Assembly and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present and future.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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