U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Returns to New Bern High School for Hometown Visit

New Bern High School recently welcomed a familiar face back to campus as U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon returned to her alma mater for a special hometown visit.

Members of the Craven County Schools Board of Education joined New Bern High School students, staff, and administrators in welcoming Secretary McMahon and providing her with an opportunity to see firsthand some of the programs, opportunities, and experiences available to students today.

Students Showcase New Bern High School

Students and staff helped lead Secretary McMahon on a tour of the campus, with stops highlighting several programs representing academics, career preparation, leadership and the arts.

The tour included visits to Fire Tech, JROTC, Chorus and Band, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, discuss their experiences, and showcase what they are learning.

One particularly memorable moment came during the visit with the New Bern High School Chorus. Students performed the school’s Alma Mater and invited Secretary McMahon to join them in singing—a special connection between today’s students and her own experience as a New Bern High School student.

Throughout the tour, students took an active role in welcoming their guest and sharing the programs and activities that are part of their high school experience.

Students and Staff Participate in Roundtable Discussion

Following the campus tour, Secretary McMahon participated in a roundtable discussion with Student Government Association officers and selected staff members.

The conversation gave participants an opportunity to ask questions directly, hear about Secretary McMahon’s experiences, and discuss issues related to education.

During the discussion, Secretary McMahon spoke about her views on the future of education, including her support for returning greater education decision-making authority to states and local communities, a policy priority she has also advanced publicly in her role as U.S. Secretary of Education.

For students, the visit offered a unique opportunity to participate in a conversation with a national education leader while also sharing their own school experiences and perspectives.

A Special Homecoming

Secretary McMahon’s return to New Bern High School provided a connection between the school’s past and present while giving current students an opportunity to showcase their talents, leadership, and learning.

Craven County Schools appreciates Secretary McMahon for spending time with our students and staff and returning to the school she once attended.

We are also proud of the New Bern High School students and staff who helped welcome Secretary McMahon, led portions of the campus tour, shared their programs, and participated in the roundtable discussion.

It was a memorable day for the New Bern High School community and a unique learning opportunity for our students as they welcomed one of their own back home.