Fifth Graders at Thompson Intermediate Kickoff their Super Citizens Journey

More than 475 crown-wearing, flag-waving fifth graders cheered, clapped and counted down to a grand entrance by Libby Liberty™ at Thompson Intermediate School Gymnasium. 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 Shelby 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.”

Become a sponsor. Power the movement.

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 >

: Annie & Dylan lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.

: Thompson High School student, Rand sings the National Anthem.

: Libby Liberty™ makes her entrance to reveal her true name: “Liberty Enlightening the World.”

: Ada & Emma help Libby show off her real measurements.

: Libby is about the height of the average 5th grader or Harry Potter?!

: Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.

: There are 25 windows in her crown that you see the beautiful view of the New York Harbor.

: She developed a greenish patina through a process called oxidation.

: The letters on her tablet represent the date of American Independence!

: The chains around her feet are broken to symbolize our freedom from oppression.

: On October 28, 1886 they had a huge celebration to welcome Libby home to America.

: Ellis Island is right next to Liberty Island, which is where Libby lives.

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

: The students close their eyes to imagine they are on a long, hard journey.

: Imagine coming to America by boat and seeing the lady in green for the first time.

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

: We all share in the same bright future that is possible because of the ideals for which Libby stands.

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

: Libby shows off her selfie stick to get a picture with the students.

: Blakely, Liam, Lauren, Leah, Addison, Reid, Shelby, Angely, Jesse, Danny, Halle, Kate, Tate, Aslyn, & Sadie help Libby lead everyone in our tour anthem.