Covington, VA (Seep0t. 10, 2026) - Virginia and Alleghany Highlands history came to life Sept. 3-4 at Covington Middle School as students participated in a two-day celebration of VA250 and Alleghany Highlands 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States while highlighting Virginia’s important role in the nation’s history and the contributions of the Alleghany Highlands.
A highlight of the celebration was the VA250 Mobile Museum, a traveling exhibit designed to showcase Virginia’s significant place in American history. The museum was parked at Casey Field and was open to the community, giving students and local residents an opportunity to explore historical exhibits and connect what they saw with lessons being taught in the classroom.
For CMS history teacher and department chair Luke Bradley, the mobile museum provided a unique opportunity to bring history to life for students.
“I like to call it a Smithsonian on wheels. That’s how incredible it is. It really is,” Bradley said.
The visit also closely aligns with the curriculum students are studying in their history classes, particularly lessons on the founding of the nation and the documents and principles that shaped the United States.
“Within our classes, it’s kind of neat just how it all aligned,” Bradley said. “We just finished up fundamental principles of government and influential documents, and so they learned about the Declaration of Independence.”
The main day of activities was held Sept. 4, when students across grade levels participated in a variety of educational experiences focused on Virginia and American history. In the auditorium, students heard from guest speakers, learned about the Revolutionary War and its connection to the Alleghany Highlands, and listened to key excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.
Guest presenter Phil Amick of the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society spoke with students about the Revolutionary War history of the Alleghany Highlands. His presentation gave students an opportunity to examine the connection between national events and the history of their own community, helping them better understand how the region fits into the larger story of the founding of the United States.
Bradley said the activities also helped students develop a greater appreciation for the documents and ideas they were studying in class.
“We’re excited to be a part of the initiative,” he said. “Our students have learned a lot more to appreciate those words of the Declaration of Independence.”
The VA250 celebration extended beyond the auditorium. In the cafeteria, students worked in teams on Virginia 250 art projects, incorporating what they had learned about Virginia’s history and its contributions to the nation. The hands-on activity gave students another way to engage with the themes of the celebration.Â
After a day filled with history, learning and creativity, students received a fitting treat to cap the celebration: red, white and blue popsicles.
CMS also recognized students who took part in the VA250 “Creative Commonwealth” statewide sticker competition. The competition challenged students to create original designs representing what makes Virginia special, with top designs from around the commonwealth having the opportunity to become official VA250 stickers.
Earning top honors at Covington Middle School were sixth-graders Jayonna Ray, first place; Jay’Lee Lowry, second place; and Harmony Hardy, third place. In seventh grade, Taniya Peterson earned first place, Brooklyn Wallace earned second place and Emma Markham earned third place. Among eighth-graders, Sienna Turner earned first place, Liliana Boguess earned second place and Kinsley Jefferson earned third place.
School organizers expressed their appreciation to the state representatives and community leaders who helped bring the VA250 Mobile Museum and related programming to Covington Middle School, including Del. Terry Austin, Marion Paxton and Linda Morrison. Paxton and Morrison are members of the Alleghany Highlands 250 Committee.
The activities at CMS were organized in partnership with local history organizations, including the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society, the Alleghany Historical Society and the VA250 Committee. The celebration also complemented the broader Alleghany Highlands 250 observance, giving students an opportunity to learn more about Virginia and American history while recognizing the important role their own community has played in that story.
Throughout 2026, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools have been highlighting Virginia 250 through lessons and activities that help students understand and appreciate the significance of the nation’s 250th anniversary.Â
“We want our students to understand that history is more than something they read about in a textbook,” said Superintendent Kim Halterman. “Virginia’s history is deeply connected to the story of our nation, and the Alleghany Highlands has its own important place in that story. Opportunities like VA250 allow our students to explore that history, make connections to their own community and develop a greater appreciation for the people and events that helped shape our country.”Â
|  | From left, Covington Middle School students Adam Khodair, Maci Link, Emma Dean and Adalee McClung work as a team on a Virginia 250 art project that connects state and local history to art. (AHPS Photo)
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