“Our partnerships are not important; they’re crucial,” says Demopolis Mayor Mike Grayson. “Everybody looks to government to be the end all, the solution. Government can do some things, but it’s corporate citizens like Alabama Power that really brings it to life, and brings it to the masses, to the level where most people live.”
On Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, Liberty Learning Foundation’s Next Great Americans Bus Tour landed rolled into Demopolis to help schools kick off the groundbreaking Super Citizen Program. More than 500 students from U.S. Jones Elementary School watched as Lady Liberty lead an exciting educational program that introduced them to the 10-week civic, character, financial literacy, careers and our Great American story that they will begin when the bus rolls away.
The event began with the presenting of the flags by the local Boy Scout troop, the Pledge of Allegiance, and inspiring rendition of the National Anthem by a local student. It was unreal!
Press, parents and local VIPs were on hand to help kick off this important milestone in these students’ lives. But the program tools, teacher training and these unforgettable events wouldn’t be possible without the help of great corporate sponsors like Alabama Power. Their investment in the community is immeasurable!
“We’re very thankful that there’s a business within our community and also the state of Alabama that takes part in this. It shows their leadership, and their concerns, and their interest in our students.”
We will return on April 29 as students graduate and honor local heroes on stage in the final piece of the Super Citizen Program: Torch Teams. In Torch Teams, classes bring their learning full-circle and out in to the community by nominating, carefully selecting and, ultimately, presenting their heroes with awards at the ceremony.
“Some students don’t even know how to give to their community, and this gives them the foundation to continue to grow and to be good citizens, and to be 100 percent connect to their communities,” says Alabama Power’s business office manager for Demopolis Diane Brooker.
The public is invited to join us for the graduation celebration and heroes presentation, but please check our calendar as dates and times are subject to change.