Etowah County Schools Kick Off Super Citizen Program

More than 625 crown-wearing, flag-waving fifth graders cheered, clapped and counted down to a grand entrance by Libby Liberty™ from Etowah County. Fresh off her Next Great Americans Tour bus, the lady in green brought history to life and introduced students to the 10-week civics, character, financial literacy and social studies program they’ll begin after her bus rolls away.

The Super Citizen experience includes today’s kickoff event, immersive learning and community service projects and will culminate with a graduation celebration that sees students honoring local, everyday heroes from stage.

These crucial lessons are being taught thanks to funding from [The Etowah County Community Alliance] who understand that these lessons must be taught despite school budget cuts. The day ended with a rousing sing-a-long of the tour’s anthem, “YOU in the U.S.A.”

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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 >

: These future Super Citizens pose with the replica Statue of LIberty.

: These Etowah County fifth graders will honor the heroes they choose with one of these replica Statues of Liberty.

: Superintendent Dr. Alan Cosby prepares the students to meet Libby Liberty!

: Cade, Gabriel, Ridge, Carter, Hunter, Lex, Peyton, and Cameron lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.

: The official name of the Statue of Liberty is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”

: Aryan and Anna help Libby show off her true measurements.

: Libby isn’t green like Shrek, but rather patina.

: Her outer layer is copper, which oxidized and turned patina over time!

: Libby’s broken chains symbolize our freedom from oppression.

: Libby was constructed one piece at a time.

: Ellis Island is right next to Liberty Island.

: These fifth graders imagine they have been on a long, hard journey.

: Imagining what it would be like to see the Statue of Liberty for the first time.

: “We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.” MLK, Jr.

: Libby shares the iconic poem “The New Colossus.”

: Joyce Bishop from the Liberty Learning Foundation teaches students about community.

: Joel, Anna, Mattie, Zuri, Victoria, Kyleigh, Wade, Baylor, Caleb, Gracie, Cameron, Janna, Luke, Ally, Tessa, Avery, Andra Lea, Hailey, Kati and Taylor lead their classmates in song.