More than 200 local eighth-graders tested their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution during visits by members of Hezzie Griffis American Legion Post 30 in Edgefield, S.C., to Fox Creek Middle School on Sept. 18, 2026, and Merriwether Middle School three days later. Each student received a pocket-sized copy provided by the 917 Society in time for Constitution Week, an annual event.

Students opened their booklets and followed along as they listened to a short presentation about how the document is organized, from “We the People” in the Preamble to the three branches of government and the Bill of Rights. They pored over the text of the First Amendment to identify its protected freedoms, then turned to the 26th Amendment with its guarantee of voting rights to citizens 18 and older, a stark reminder that their age of eligibility is fast approaching.

Post 30 arrived early to Fox Creek to discover that a Constitution-trivia scavenger hunt organized by teacher Kathleen Rogerson was already in full swing. Clusters of students rushed through the hallways, following clues leading to a series of posters containing questions. After recording their answers, they followed another clue to the next station. Principal Sara-Beth Brown coordinated her own program at Merriwether.

Taking part in the visit were Commander Winston Boddie, Rick Berry, Jon Notestein and Ken Wingeier. The team also included military veteran Samantha McClure and her children, Abigail and Luke, who earned homeschool credit for public speaking and presenting information about constitutional rights.

The school visits support The American Legion’s national Resolution 6, adopted in May toward “Restoring Civic Knowledge and Patriotism through Education.” It calls for greater emphasis on teaching the Constitution, separation of powers, civil liberties and the responsibilities of citizenship.

On the topic of the Constitution, Post 30 informed students about the American Legion Oratorical Contest, a constitutional speech competition for high school students who vie for college scholarships as they showcase their knowledge. Through school visits and scholarship programs like these, Post 30 supports civic education, works with local schools and introduces young people to opportunities that encourage a deeper understanding of the Constitution.

This article was originally published in the Edgefield Advertiser on Sept. 30, 2026.