Today, over 800 fifth graders filled the Southside High School Auditorium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Super Citizen Program, they are gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage.
“I wish every person in America could participate in something like this. Being a citizen, we have great responsibilities. We have an obligation to teach and pass it on.” – Darryl E. Harris Sr. – Assistant conductor of Etowah Youth Orchestra
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 Etowah County Community Alliance. With its 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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The students are excited to honor their heroes.
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Superintendent Dr. Cosby welcomes everyone to the 2017 Super Citizen Graduation Celebration.
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Beau, Mario, Kaitln, Jason, Benjamin, Dev, Cameron, Ellen and Tanner led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Zaylee and this Super Citizen stand in honor of her Torch Team Hero, Kent Frachiseur.
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Addison honored Dr. Harris as her Torch Team Hero.
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Caleb honored his mom and hero today at the celebration.
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Payden honored Carolyn McCain as his Torch Team Hero.
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Robbei Rainns was honored today by her great granddaughter Lauren.
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Feryal honored her Torch Team Hero D.J Walton.
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Mandy Acker was honored today as a Torch Team Hero by Ally.
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Lola honored her sister and Torch Team Hero, Bayleigh Phillips today at the celebration.
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Johnathan Vargas was honored today as a Torch Team Hero by Joel.
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Jason Deason was honored today as a Torch Team Hero by Jake and Cole. “This is something that need to be spread across the country,” he said. “Because the world can really benefit from it right now.”
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Riley Ann and Jackson honored Chad Strong as their Torch Team Hero.
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Casey Lackey was honored today as a Torch Team Hero by Riley and John.
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Judy Pledger was honored today by Emma at the celebration.
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Kristen Sharp stands with Andralea and Mckinlee in honor of their Torch Team Hero, Jaxon Pruitt.
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Officer Cline was honored today as Jaiden and Chloe’s Torch Team Hero.
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Audrey and Brooklyn honored Dr. Dennis Burton as their hero.
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Kristin Glenn was honored today by Rayghen as her Torch Team Hero.
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Emily Dake was honored today by her cousin Isaac.
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Rebecca Standrege was honored today by Connor as a Torch Team Hero.
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Veteran Matthew Crane was honored today by Meleah.
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Joshua, Jaelie, Braxton, Karrlee, Luke, Zya, Hayden, Haley, Carma, Hayes, David, Avery, Tessa, Emma, Gavin, Libby Kate and Bryson lead the crowd in the tour anthem “YOU in the USA”.
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“Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
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The 2017 Etowah County Torch Team Heroes.