There was no missing U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Broadwater School this afternoon. He was the really tall guy, which is just how Principal Lee Kvilhaug introduced Duncan.

Duncan, who is making a one-day trip through this part of Montana, stopped for photos at the historic school.

"This is really an honor for Broadwater School," Kvilhaug said. "We made a little bit of history here today and I want to thank you for being a part of that."

Duncan posed on the playground in front of hundreds of Broadwater students and the original building. Also in the photo were Sen. Jon Tester, Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, Billings School District 2 officials and Mayor Ron Tussing. They were joined by some of Broadwater's alumni from its early days, including Wally Streeter, Ruby Jenkins, Betty Jean Lamb and Bob Henrickson.

The Broadwater Parent-Teacher Organization invited Duncan to the school's upcoming birthday celebration on Sept. 11, 2009. Because he probably can't make that party, Duncan visited today.

Tim Tutton from the Department of Education's regional office in Denver, told adults that Duncan "normally stops and he stays and he talks to people for awhile," but today's tight schedule didn't allow lingering at the school.

He explained to the kids that the visit would still be special.

"This is like a big birthday card for you school," he said.