Today, more than 400 5th grade students from Grandview, Heard Magnet, Montana Street, Cloverdale, & Hidden Lake Elementary filled the gymnasium at Northview High School. 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 Houston County Community Alliance. With their help, we are teaching, inspiring and empowering our Next Great Americans.
Did you see today’s event? Were you as emotional as we were? Will you help us continue this amazing mission?
-
- The Next Great Americans of Dothan
-
- The Dothan Super Citizens pose with their graduation certificate.
-
- All smiles as they get ready to honor their Torch Team Heroes.
-
- Shaliyah, Paige, Tyler, Cayman and Cody lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
-
- Abigail and Emma honored Larry Beauchamp as their Torch Team Hero.
-
- Savannah honored her grandfather and hero Michael Pratt of the US Military.
-
- Makayla and her mother stand in honor of her brother and hero, Nigel Geohagen Jr.
-
- Tia stands with Kristen Sharp as she honors Mayor Mike Schmitz.
-
- Derriah honored her Principal and hero Tamika Fleming today at the celebration.
-
- Megan Green was honored today by Torreon and his classmates as a Torch Team Hero.
-
- Emma Chambers was honored today by Moriah as Torch Team Hero.
-
- Mr. Raymond Anderson was honored by Athena as a Torch Team Hero.
-
- Connor stands with his Torch Team Hero, Amanda Smith.
-
- Jean Sasson was honored today by Braeden and Mrs. Baxley’s classroom.
-
- Jada Payne was honored by Allie today at the celebration.
-
- Nevaeh honored Maria Grimsley from Girls, Inc.
-
- Mrs. Pat Hart from Inspire to Aspire was honored as a Torch Team Hero by Isaiah.
-
- Oliver stands with his mom and sister as he honors his father, Brandon Benefield, who is currently serving our country in Turkey.
-
- The students proudly wore the logos of their awesome sponsors.
-
- Kristen Sharp leads the crowd in “YOU in the USA” with the help of Kadence, Alexandria, Eden, Max, Kenneth, Clark, Nikita, Rod, Claire Ryan, Benton, Stephanie, Eva, Cullen, Antwone and Katelin.
-
- “Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
-
- The students sing together of freedom and liberty.
-
- The view from the stage as the students sing together.
-
- The 2017 Dothan City Torch Team Heroes
Jean Sasson, just one of today’s honored heroes says, “You can tell that this liberty event is going to change a lot of lives for these young people. It’s going to make better citizens out of these kids. It’s never been more important. It instills in a child the desire to help others and make this world a better place. I’ve never been more impressed.”
Pat Hart, honored for her work with Inspire to Aspire, says, “When you know who you are, and what your values and characteristics are, then no-one can change that. You can go out and be the best citizen you can possibly be.”