DoDEA Americas Students Celebrate Constitution Day
by Michael ODay, DoDEA Americas
September 21, 2025

Students at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Quantico Middle High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico marked Constitution Day on September 17, 2025 with a lively scavenger hunt that turned lessons on America's founding document into a collaborative adventure, highlighting the enduring importance of civic education.

Constitution Day, observed annually on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The federal holiday promotes an understanding of the document's principles, including separation of powers, federalism, and individual rights.

The observance serves as a reminder of the Constitution's role as the bedrock of American democracy, encouraging citizens to engage actively in governance and protect democratic institutions.

“For students, learning about the Constitution is crucial to building informed citizenship. It equips young people with the knowledge to participate in elections and understand laws, fostering critical thinking and a sense of shared responsibility in our society,” said Theresa King, a DoDEA Instructional Systems Specialist. “Understanding our foundational document helps students discern fact from fiction and appreciate the rights they inherit.”

At Quantico Middle High School, the celebration took the form of a school-wide scavenger hunt featuring Constitution-themed questions posted throughout the building. Drawn from DoDEA-approved document-based resources and the official U.S. citizenship test, the clues challenged participants to decode answers while exploring key concepts like the Bill of Rights and amendments.

All students participated, with high schoolers mentoring their middle school peers to promote collaboration. Principal Mr. Shea assisted groups as they navigated the activity, deepening their grasp of constitutional principles.

Two winners ... one from middle school and one from high school ... were honored for completing the hunt with accuracy and enthusiasm.

"All the kids were engrossed in the learning; high schoolers were helping the 7th graders," said Krista Husman, a seventh-grade social studies teacher and event organizer. "And, knowledge of the Constitution was gained!"

The event highlighted how interactive activities can make civic lessons truly memorable, fostering community while reinforcing the Constitution's timeless values.

DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 161 accredited schools in 9 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico, serving over 67,000 military-connected students. DoDEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoDEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world.

Attribution Note: Theresa King, DoDEA Instructional Systems Specialist Secondary 6-12 Social Studies

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) | U.S. Department of War

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