Today, over 500 fifth-grade students filled the Thompson High School gymnasium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Super Citizen Program, they are gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage.
These students have learned their important roles in America’s future thanks to an immersive experience in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies. And in the closing piece of the program, Torch Teams, 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 Authentic Liberty Replicas . They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!”
See the heroes honored in the photo 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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- These Alabaster City fifth graders can’t wait to graduate!
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- Smiling faces of Super Citizens ready to graduate!
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- Liberty Learning’s Becky Saunders, Principal Byars and Alfa Sponsor Chanda Thomas pose for a picture.
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- Principal Byars prepared the students to graduate as Super Citizens.
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- Dr. Jeff Atkins, Director of Pupil Services and Operations was proud of the Super Citizens!
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- Dr. Latanza Harrison, Coordinator of Human Resources and Derek Henderson, School Board Vice President were excited to see the students graduate!
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- uilia, Sasha, Tivet, and Mariah lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
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- Teacher Ann Jay Harrison sang the National Anthem.
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- Alfa sponsor Chanda Thomas encouraged the students to take pride in their community.
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- Meteorologist James Spann was honored as Torch Team Hero by Laney and Olivia.
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- Courtney Holmes was honored by Mason and Juan Carlos as Torch Team Hero.
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- Mallory and Alyssa honored Antonio Kelley as Torch Team Hero.
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- Carlie and Cooper honored their mother, April Mills, as Torch Team Hero.
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- Ward Williams was honored by his daughter Sarah Paige and classmate Tanner.
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- Chandler and Addison honored Sabrina Lynch as Torch Team Hero.
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- Michael Adelberg was honored by his daughter Joleigh and classmate Taylor as Torch Team Hero.
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- Charlie and Hayden honored the late Libby Groark as Torch Team Hero. Her daughter, Mary Lowery, accepted the award.
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- Teacher Tracy Cox was honored as Torch Team Hero by Samuel and Kamoria.
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- Wyatt and Addison honored Terry Swanger as Torch Team Hero.
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- Michael McCown was honored by his grandson Noah and classmate Jordan as Torch Team Hero.
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- Mr. McCown is proud of his grandson Noah.
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- Kaitlyn Weaver was honored by her brother Jacob and his classmate Baylee as Torch Team Hero!
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- Kaiya and Jayden honored Don McJenkins as Torch Team Hero. Kelli Dodd from the Liberty Learning Foundation accepted on his behalf.
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- Bert Charles was honored by his daughter Brooke and classmate Locke as Torch Team Hero.
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- Laura Roberts was honored by Lisette and Alondra as Torch Team Hero.
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- Tony Drexel was honored by his granddaughter Hannah and classmate Aubree as Torch Team Hero.
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- Jerry Harris, Vietnam Veteran, was honored by his grandson Ian and classmate Braden.
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- Harper and classmate Aenaya honored her grandfather, Vietnam Veteran Wayne Pennyton as Torch Team Hero.
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- Taking the Super Citizen Pledge.
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- These fifth graders take the Super Citizen Pledge.
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- Liberty Learning’s Becky Saunders and Jana Jordan smile for a picture with beloved James Spann.
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- Thank you, Shelby County Community Alliance Sponsors!
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- Student volunteers lead their classmates in the Next Great Americans Tour Anthem!
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- Loud and proud for Liberty!
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- Only you can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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- Celebrating graduation in song!
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- Our Torch Team Heroes and the students who honored them.
