Today 325 second graders from Hazel Green Elementary, Walnut Grove Elementary, & New Market Elementary cheered and counted down to the grand entrance of Libby Liberty™. Wearing green paper crowns and waving tiny American flags, they showed their enthusiasm for the Super Citizen Program they’ll begin after today’s theatrical performance.
Liberty Learning Foundation (with generous sponsorship by the Madison County Community Alliance) is kicking off the program in a big way. Not only are students watching as the vivacious Statue of Liberty character brings history to life, they are also being introduced to the man who will give them a “hand” with lessons back in their classrooms. As Libby winds down, she hands the screen over to Mr. Palmer, a brash and brilliant hand-character who leads students in lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and our Great American Story.
After class photos with Libby, students and teachers return to classrooms energized to learn crucial, all-American lessons. They’ll also begin the process of nominating and honoring “Helping Hands Heroes” who they will honor at their graduation celebration when the program is complete for this year.
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 >
-
-
CJ, Crimson, & Riley lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
-
-
Liberty means freedom, or to be free, and that’s what Libby is here to talk about!
-
-
Libby’s mouth is 3 feet long, about the length of an electric guitar!
-
-
Anthony, Caroline, & Marty help Libby show off her real measurements.
-
-
Libby’s finger is 8 feet long, the length of a car.
-
-
Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.
-
-
The seven rays, or spikes, represent the seven seas, and the seven continents of the world!
-
-
The spikes on her crown are about the size of a Great White Shark.
-
-
She developed a greenish patina through a process called oxidation.
-
-
Her torch is what lights the way to freedom.
-
-
The chains around her feet are broken to symbolize our freedom from oppression.
-
-
They put her together like a Minecraft Figure!
-
-
They put her together piece by piece, like the most gigantic Lego structure EVER!
-
-
Ellis Island is right next to Liberty Island, which is where Libby lives.
-
-
Libby shares Ellis Island’s great history of welcoming Immigrants to the United States.
-
-
Libby invites the students to imagine what it would be like to be an immigrant traveling to Ellis Island.
-
-
“We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.” – MLK Jr.
-
-
We all share in the same bright future that is possible because of the ideals for which Libby stands.
-
-
“I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” –Emma Lazarus
-
-
Libby and Mr. Palmer are excited to share with the students about the Hands on Liberty program!
-
-
Libby leads the students in showing their appreciation for everyone who made the event possible!
-
-
Super Citizens help Libby lead everyone in our tour anthem.
-
-
The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
-
-
Singing along to our tour anthem!
-
-
We love seeing the students excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
-
-
“Freedom! Liberty! It starts with you and me!”
-
-
Libby and her leaders sing together for freedom!
-
-
Libby’s helpers do a great job showing everyone the moves to “YOU in the USA!”
-
-
Libby loves having Super Citizens singing along to her tour anthem!
-
-
Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
-
-
Singing along to our tour anthem!
-
-
Students and teachers alike singing along to our tour anthem!
-
-
Waving their flags in song and celebration!
-
-
Libby gets a photo with some real-life Super Citizens: The 2nd Grade teachers of Madison County!
-
-
The Official Libby Liberty™ Selfie!