Two hundred crown-wearing, flag-waving fifth graders cheered, clapped and counted down to a grand entrance by Libby Liberty™ at U.S. Jones Elementary School. 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 Marengo 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.”
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 Next Great Americans of US Jones Elementary School
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Emery and Brandon lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Libby is always happy to pose for a picture with members of the Alfa family! Thank you Andy Eddins for supporting these 5th graders today!
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Libby smiles proudly with Principal Clark.
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The future Super Citizens of US Jones Elementary School
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These students close their eyes and imagine being on a long hard journey, coming to America for the first time.
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Libby recites the iconic poem “The New Colossus.”
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The authentic Statue of Liberty replica will be given to community heroes when the students graduate as Super Citizens.
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The future Super Citizens of US Jones Elementary School
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Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
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Her shoe size is 879!
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Her chains are broken and symbolize our freedom from oppression.
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The view of the students singing the tour anthem “YOU in the USA”
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The Next Great Americans of US Jones Elementary School
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Adalyn, Tristan, Ellen Marie, and Sara lead their classmates in the tour anthem!
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Libby poses with Margie Belcher with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxilary Post 5377 and Principal Clark
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The Next Great Americans of US Jones Elementary School
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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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The future Super Citizens of US Jones Elementary School
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The students close their eyes to picture coming to 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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The students shout “freedom” together in song!
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Principal Clark welcomes Libby to the stage!
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Brinkli and Fernando help Libby show her true measurements when on her pedestal.
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The Next Great Americans of US Jones Elementary School
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These students are excited to meet Libby Liberty™.
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We all have different American stories but share the same freedoms.
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The future Super Citizens of US Jones Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of US Jones Elementary School
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“Only you can keep the YOU in the USA.”
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The official Libby Liberty™ selfie