Student Leadership NORTH’s class of 2027 tells the Georgia stories behind America250
As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, students in the Class of 2027 and the Rising Leaders Program from Student Leadership NORTH are making sure the celebration goes deeper than fireworks and festivities.
The program has released a compelling series of original podcasts that spotlight Georgia’s pivotal — and often overlooked — role in winning the American Revolution, funded by a generous grant from the Library of Congress.
Working in groups, using both primary and secondary sources, the students immersed themselves in the historical record to produce podcasts that go beyond surface-level history. Rather than simply commemorating America250, episodes in the History in our Backyard series examine the people, battles and events that turned the tide of the Revolution in the South — and in Georgia in particular.
Podcast topics and student groups
- Button Gwinnett and Baron Johann de Kalb – Rising Leaders from Chattahoochee High School
- Lyman Hall – Class of 2027 from Alpharetta High School
- The Battle of Kettle Creek – Class of 2027 from Northview High School
- Nathaniel Greene – Class of 2027 from Johns Creek High School
- Casimir Pulaski and Fort Pulaski – Class of 2027 from Johns Creek High School
- Nancy Hart – Class of 2027 from Chattahoochee High School
- The Siege of the Port of Savannah – Class of 2027 from Innovation Academy
In addition to the individual topic episodes, students recorded a candid debrief podcast reflecting on what they learned throughout the research process — including the surprises, challenges and discoveries that shaped their understanding of the Revolutionary era.
“Season two of History in our Backyard is so special because of the kids’ focus on Georgia’s role in the American Revolution,” said Katherine Perrotta, associate professor of middle grades and secondary education, Mercer University and grant coordinator for Student Leadership NORTH.
“There are so many places named after Revolutionary War figures that we encounter on a daily basis. I’m most impressed by the kids’ reflections of the living legacy of America250 and how they are able to participate in this once in a generation celebration.”
About the series
The podcast series was made possible through a generous grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Southern Region Program, coordinated by Middle Tennessee State University, whose support enabled students to conduct in-depth research and produce professional-quality audio content, connecting communities to the authentic history behind the America250 commemoration.
Student Leadership NORTH is committed to developing the next generation of civic-minded leaders through experiential learning and community engagement. The podcast project exemplifies that mission, combining rigorous historical inquiry with modern media skills to bring Georgia’s Revolutionary War heritage to life.
For more about Student Leadership NORTH, visit studentleadershipnorth.com/home.
To access all of the podcasts, visit historyinourbackyard.podbean.com.
