Today, 2nd graders from Helena Elementary School filled their cafeteria. After finishing 10 weeks in the Hands on Liberty Program, they are gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage.
Thanks to Mr. Palmer and his very hands-on teaching, these students have begun learning about their important roles in America’s future. The “Hands on Liberty” series and accompanying activities and lesson plans teach crucial lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies to a tech-centric generation. And in the closing piece of the program, Helping Hands, students are applying those crucial lessons in the real world.
Students chose heroes who embodied the traits of amazing citizens and read essays from stage before presenting them with Liberty Pins. They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!”
See heroes honored and a glimpse of the exciting event in the gallery below!
Today’s event and the donation of Super Citizen teaching kits was made possible by the Shelby County Community Alliance. With their help, we are teaching, inspiring and empowering our Next Great Americans.
Were you at the event? See the photo gallery below to find yourself, to revisit the magic or watch it unfold for the first time >
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Showing off their Helping Hands Graduation Certificate!
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They are excited to honor their heroes and get their graduation certificates!
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Jaxon and Savannah lead students, heroes, and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance!
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Owen told us about his 2nd grade class’s Helping Hands hero: former Helena mayor Mark Hall!
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Brinley honored Senator April Weaver, as her class Helping Hands Hero, and got a handshake in the process!
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Brinley with Senator Weaver, her class hero!
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Levi told us all about how his Helping Hands Hero, school resource office Justin Roberts, inspires his class to be Super Citizens!
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Parker took the stage to tell us why former teacher Ms. Andrea Burk is a true Helping Hands Hero!
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2nd grader Isaac honored Mr. Gary Carlisle as his class’s Helping Hands Hero!
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Rowan told us all about why her 2nd grade class chose to honor Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks as their Helping Hands Hero!
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Graham honored Heather Leon, PTO president and his mom, as his Helping Hands Hero
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2nd grade students pledged to “be responsible for what they say and do, in their country, community, family, and school.”
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Super Citizens lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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These students are excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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The students and heroes filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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We love seeing the students excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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The students and heroes filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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“Freedom! Liberty! It starts with you and me!”
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These students are singing our tour anthem loud and proud!
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Students and teachers alike singing along to our tour anthem!
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We were incredibly honored to spend the afternoon celebrating with these heroes, students, and guests!
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We are thankful to everyone who made our event possible, especially school board members Gigi Davis and Amber Polk, City Council president Alice Lobell, Rep. Arnold Mooney, Rep. Kenneth Paschal, Rep. Leigh Hulsey, Sen. April Weaver, and Superintendent Dr. Brooks!
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Dr. Brooks poses with this 2nd grade class of Super Citizens.
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Artwork from the students of Helena Elementary school in honor of the occasion!
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Helena Elementary is so thankful for their Super Citizens!
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Patriotic artwork decorated the hallways of Helena Elementary.