Today, more than 525 2nd graders from Dothan City Schools filled the Dothan 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.
“For them to know how much he dedicates his time for their safety is beyond words and beyond description,” said Christy Whitaker, mother of Corporal Cameron Whitaker.
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” DVD 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 Houston County Community Alliance and passionate community sponsors. With its help, we are teaching, inspiring and empowering our Next Great Americans.
Through this program I think kids are figuring out how to be the best citizen they can be for their city, their school or state, and also their country,” says Janasky Fleming, a teacher/coach from Northview High School who was honored today. Fleming is also City Commissioner of Dothan District 2.
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 second-grade students are so excited to graduate as Super Citizens!
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- Excited to take the Super Citizen Pledge!
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- Londen, Evan, Serenity, Aida, Rory, and Samaya lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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- Zy’ionna honored Isaac and Essie Doss as Helping Hands Heroes.
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- Mrs. Roseann Givens was honored as Helping Hands Hero by Joshua.
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- Mrs. Kim Hall was honored by Zaniya as Helping Hands Hero.
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- Journee honored Janasky Fleming, Northview coach, as Helping Hands Hero.
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- Zoe and Conner honored Joseph McKinney, Houston County policeman as Helping Hands Hero.
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- Shannon Gieger, owner of Princess Parties, was honored as Helping Hands Hero by Lyriq.
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- Kason honored his father, police officer Paul Cochrane, as Helping Hands Hero.
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- Foster mother Lisa Marie Davis was honored by her children and classmates Ayana and Serenity.
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- Ella honored fire fighter Kristen McClure as Helping Hands Hero.
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- Principal of Highlands Elementary Vicki Davis was honored by Anna Claire as Helping Hands Hero.
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- Ontreil Adams honored U.S. Marine Kameron Whitaker as Helping Hands Hero. His mother accepted on his behalf.
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- Taking the Super Citizen Pledge.
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- Allysia, Derrick, Aimee, Tylegia, Kaden, Tarajia, Callie, Jayden, Kaydee, Erin, Jadyn, and Keziah lead their classmates in the Next Great Americans Tour Anthem.
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- Singing “You in the U.S.A.”
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- Celebrating in song!
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- Loud and proud for Liberty!
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- Our Helping Hands Heroes and the students who honored them.
