The US House Speaker is a Constitutionally mandated office, second in line to the American President. Mike Johnson became the first Speaker to address the British Parliament. He spoke about the theological and civic principles that formed Western Civilization.
White House America 250
In partnership with Hillsdale College and PragerU, the White House has been publishing videos that tell the story of America and videos of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Story of America playlist:
The Signers playlist:
I particularly enjoyed “The Shot Heard Round the World”: The Battles of Lexington and Concord.
I also enjoyed The Signer videos on John Witherspoon, Martha Washington, John Hancock, and Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Let me know what you think at info@fillthestage.com!
National Civics Bee
If you have a son or daughter who is particularly interested in American civics, government, and history, consider this National Civics Bee competition. Sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students have until February 3rd to submit an essay on a local opportunity or problem and how to address it. Winners are selected for regional, state, and national competitions, as well as cash prizes.
This guide explains the essay requirements and judging criteria. The essay is short, but it does require some thought because the judges are looking for real opportunities and solutions. Here is the application portal for submitting essays.
Students selected for higher competition undergo a civics test and further questioning about their essays.
Lastly, you can find more information and important dates for the competition in the Educator’s Guide.
Confronting the Presidents
Looking for highlights of each U.S. president’s time in office? This is the book for you. O’Reilly and Dugard excel at providing important information about each president in an upbeat, succinct style. Starting with Washington and ending with Biden, who was president when this book was published, the authors provide pros, cons, and historical context for each commander-in-chief. You may be surprised at the various and unsuspecting issues as well as victories these men experienced as they held the nation’s highest office.
Consequently, this is a great book that offers a “30,000-foot” view of each president’s time in office without boring you with too many trivial details. Indeed, a good read for those wanting a helpful introduction to those who have held the most powerful office in the world.
Veterans Day
Originally, Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, Veterans Day honors all American military veterans. The holiday is an opportunity for young people to deepen their knowledge of and appreciation for our veterans.
My pastor shared Frank DeVita’s story at church. A World War II veteran, his D-Day story is astonishing. Here’s a two-minute introduction. More is available on YouTube.
If you are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, thank you for your service!
America Fest 2025
America Fest is “The Biggest Conservative Movement in the Country” for students. An opportunity of a lifetime for young people to make new friends, develop leadership skills, and widen their awareness of conservative organizations and opportunities.
I will be there. Let me know if you are coming. It would be an honor to meet you!
For conference and registration details, please see Turning Point USA.
Charlie Kirk
Associated Press / Photo by Tess Crowley / The Deseret News
The political assassination of Charlie Kirk was not only intended to silence a conservative political influencer, but it was meant to silence conservative political leaders and millions of conservative young people across America.
Charlie Kirk was a man of consequence, one who will be long remembered. He bravely promoted the conservative principles of freedom of speech, free markets, and limited government, as his website makes clear. He believed conservative political principles conserve God’s great gifts to human beings, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Importantly, Charlie Kirk became a believer in and defender of the Christian faith. Realizing that God created all men and women in His image and that without God, order, freedom, and human flourishing are not possible.
Charlie Kirk was unafraid to take his beliefs into the public arena. He inspired many young people with the courage to stand up for their beliefs, even when it’s hard. May we never forget his example and determination to make the truth known.
Helpful commentary:
Turning Point USA:
Hand Me Another Brick
That man is Nehemiah, a Jewish official who served Artaxerxes, the Persian king, in the 5th century BC. At that time, Persia was the world’s superpower, having recently (under Cyrus the Great) defeated the Babylonian Empire.*
One day, Nehemiah received a report that Jerusalem was in dire straits. Nehemiah reveals that he prayed, planned, and persuaded the king to permit him to rebuild Jerusalem.
As the leader of a great project and eventually Judah’s governor, he faced many problems and dangers. He dealt with enemies and intimidation. And he handled promotion, success, and the temptations that high office and power introduce. He became a trusted leader and revived his nation.
I recommend this book to students interested in leadership and character development.
Charles Swindoll is a well-known Bible teacher and author. He helps readers identify the leadership lessons of Nehemiah and apply them to their own lives.
(*In 597 and 586 BC, the Babylonian Empire defeated, destroyed, and enslaved Judah and Jerusalem. (Nehemiah was likely a descendant of one of the Jewish captives.) In 538 BC, Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return. But things had not gone in Jerusalem.)
State Capitol Tour
During a quick weekend trip, I visited the Iowa State Capitol building, which dominates the view of downtown Des Moines. Completed in 1886, it is one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings in the United States.
Here’s a short video.
Visiting your state capitol building is a great way to introduce students to the importance of state government and the law-making process.
I recommend joining a tour. In my case, much more of the building was available for exploration. A tour guide could also tell you about internship or volunteer opportunities. Also, you could contact your local state legislator’s office for shadowing opportunities.
Beowulf
Beowulf, a Scandinavian warrior, fights a monster named Grendel, then Grendel’s mother, and finally, years later, a fire-breathing dragon. Winning great honor, he eventually became a king and a bulwark of his people.
An ancient and renowned tale, Beowulf is over 1,000 years old and was originally written in Anglo-Saxon, or Old English. This translation is regarded as one of the finest—poetic, epic, and gripping. About 100 pages; it’s a quick read and hard to put down.
The unknown author offers a glimpse into the ancient heroic age of the Germanic peoples, who migrated to England and Denmark. They lived by the warrior code and sought glory through warfare. The author also offers a glimpse of Christianity’s influence.
Some of the great literary minds studied the tale. J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, translated Beowulf and taught it for decades, writing a commentary. (I have not read it.) According to Joseph Loconte’s book The War for Middle Earth, it was a major influence on his writings.
Beowulf demonstrated great courage in his confrontation with pure evil. There are thrilling moments, happy seasons; however, a perceptive observer noted that the book begins and ends with a funeral, revealing that the world is not enough.
The epic tale is one I recommend to young people for its entertainment value and its clear example of a good, strong hero confronting evil characters (including a dragon). It forces the reader to think seriously about the need for courage, the importance of moral and physical preparation, and life after death.
In this translation, you can see the Old English on the left-facing pages; modern English is on the right.