Today more than 500 elementary students from Evans Elementary came together to kick off the Super Citizen Program for 2017. They waved flags, wore Statue of Liberty crowns and counted down for Libby Liberty™ to take the stage. On three huge screens “live video” shows her Next Great Americans tour bus pulling up to the school, her exiting the bus and then, the real-life Libby walked out from behind the screens!
The lady in green brought history to life and introduced students to the 10-week civic, character, financial literacy and social studies program they will begin when her bus rolls away. She told them that they already have the most important title in the world: “CITIZEN.”
Students in multiple grades are participating in the Super Citizen Program. The younger grades are taught by an innovative civic education program starring Mr. Palmer (the hand-puppet host of the “Hands on Liberty” DVD series). Upper elementary grades learn from the original Super Citizen Program kit that features DVD-based lessons, class activities and the emotional, unforgettable “Torch Teams” project-based learning experience. In Torch Teams, students team up, nominate, vote for and, ultimately, honor local heroes from stage at their graduation later this year. They learn that “When you honor a hero, you become a hero.”
Today’s event and the injection of civic learning is free to schools because of generous community sponsors who understand that these crucial lessons must be taught – despite school time and budget constraints.
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 meet Libby Liberty™.
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All smiles as they gear up to kickoff the Super Citizen Program.
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They pose with the Statue of Liberty replica before the program begins.
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Alonah, Debora, Katy Grace, Kason, Kenyan, Axl, Grace, Elijah and Daniel lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Lupita and Cheshta help Libby show off her true measurements.
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She turned patina through a process called oxidation.
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Her chains are broken and symbolize freedom from oppression.
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Liberty Island is right beside Ellis Island and its history is very important.
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The students close their eyes to imagine they are seeing America for the first time.
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“We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now” MLK Jr.
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Libby recites the iconic poem, “The New Colossus”.
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Joyce Bishop of the Liberty Learning Foundation introduces their students to their generous sponsors.
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Meredith, Noah, Ethan, Aubrey, Serjio, Lana, Grace, Gisselle, Maliya and Ava Rose lead the crowd in the tour anthem “YOU in the USA”.
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The students wave their flags as they sang 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 view from the stage as the students lift their voices in song.
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Evans Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Evans Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Evans Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Evans Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Evans Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Evans Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Evans Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Evans Elementary School
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The official Libby Liberty™ selfie