Fireworks. Parades. Sticky watermelon fingers. Lawn chairs and red, white, and blue popsicles melting faster than you can say “USA!” Yes, friends, it’s that time of year again—Independence Day! (My mom’s favorite holiday.)
The Fourth of July is more than just a holiday with sparkles in the sky and the sweet scent of BBQ in the air. On July 4, 1776, the American colonies officially declared their independence from Great Britain. (Fun fact, July 2, 1776, was the day that the Continental Congress voted for independence. The day that we celebrate, July 4, was the day that Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. ) It was bold. Brave. And maybe just a little bit rebellious (in the best way). This moment changed the course of history and gave birth to a nation built on the ideals of liberty, freedom, and that very American dream that we all want our kids to understand and live.
Another fun fact: each year, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is symbolically rung 13 times—once for each of the original 13 colonies. (And no, it’s not an actual full ring—since the bell is cracked, they tap it with a mallet. Still gives me chills.)
But today, let’s talk about someone whose name you already know—even if you don’t know that you know it.
Meet the Man Behind the Signature: John Hancock
You’ve heard the phrase, “Put your John Hancock here,” right? That’s no accident. John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, and boy, did he make it count. His massive, stylish, can’t-miss-it signature is front and center—some say he wrote it so large that “King George will be able to read it without his glasses.” Whether or not that’s true, it adds a touch of swagger to our revolutionary roots.
Here are 10 fascinating facts about this founding father that might surprise you:
- He had money. Hancock was a wealthy merchant, which gave him the power to financially support the revolution. He put his money where his mouth was.
- He was brilliant. A Harvard graduate, he was known for his intellect and leadership.
- He could have been a Loyalist. His background and business ties made it likely—but he chose the Patriot cause instead.
- Smuggler, perhaps? Some historians believe he smuggled goods to dodge British taxes. A rebel with a cause.
- He had a hand in the Boston Tea Party. Enough said.
- The British were not fans. In fact, they wanted to arrest him.
- President of the Second Continental Congress. He led the group that debated and signed the Declaration.
- First Governor of Massachusetts. He helped shape one of the original states.
- Helped ratify the Constitution. He knew how to get things done.
- His name became a legend. Today, “John Hancock” still means “signature”—and that’s no small legacy.
Why I Named Our School After Him
Let me tell you a quick story. Years ago, I was in Boston for an educational conference. (And yes, I did sneak out for some history sightseeing.) As I toured the home of Paul Revere, the docent casually mentioned that Revere’s famous midnight ride was not just to alert the townspeople—but to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were on their way to arrest them.
I had goosebumps.
Think about that. An entire army sent to arrest just two men. Because their ideas, their influence, their passion for liberty were just that powerful.
At the time, I was in the thick of writing the charter for our new school. And I thought, “What better way to honor a man who helped start a revolution than to name a school after him?”
I wasn’t grabbing my quill to sign a declaration, but I was creating an educational revolution in my own way. A school where students would learn, grow, and one day become the kind of brave thinkers and leaders this country was built on.
Celebrate and Educate
This Fourth of July, while you’re enjoying sparklers, s’mores, and Sousa marches, take a moment to share John Hancock’s story with your children. Tell them about the man who wrote his name so boldly it echoed through time. Teach them that courage comes in many forms—sometimes with words, sometimes with action, and sometimes with just one really big signature.
Happy Independence Day!
Celebrate safely. Teach boldly. And maybe, just maybe, write your name a little bigger today.
Julie Adamic, Executive Director of John Hancock Charter School
P.S. If your kids want to do something fun and meaningful this Fourth, have them create their own “Declaration of Independence” from screen time or chores. Make it official with a bold signature—yes, a “John Hancock” of their own!
Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash
Julie Adamic is a lifelong educator, mom of six, and Executive Director at John Hancock Charter School. With over 35 years of experience in classrooms, committees, and school leadership, Julie brings wisdom, warmth, and a sense of humor to everything she writes. She’s passionate about supporting families, building strong communities, and finding grace in the messy, beautiful world of parenting and education.
Whether she’s organizing a school event, hiding in the pantry for a quiet moment, or navigating the ups and downs of raising good human beings, Julie writes with the honesty and heart of someone who’s truly been there. Her columns offer real-life insight, encouragement, and the occasional chocolate-fueled pep talk—all from someone who knows that perfection isn’t the goal… but connection is.
When she’s not writing or wrangling children (or both), Julie enjoys fall leaves, good books, bad dad jokes, and pretending that online shopping counts as a hobby.