Today, 100 second graders from Forest Oaks Elementary cheered and counted down to the grand entrance of Libby Liberty™. Wearing green paper crowns and waving tiny American flags, they showed their enthusiasm for the Super Citizen Program they’ll begin after today’s theatrical performance.
Liberty Learning Foundation, with the generous sponsorship of the Shelby County Community Alliance, is kicking off the program in a big way. Not only are students watching as the vivacious Statue of Liberty character brings history to life, they are also being introduced to the man who will give them a “hand” with lessons back in their classrooms. As Libby winds down, she hands the screen over to Mr. Palmer, a brash and brilliant hand-character who leads students in DVD-based lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and our Great American Story.
After class photos with Libby, students and teachers return to classrooms energized to learn crucial, all-American lessons. They’ll also begin the process of nominating and honoring “Helping Hands Heroes” who they will honor at their graduation celebration when the program is complete for this year.
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 smiling faces of our Next Great Americans.
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The students are super excited to meet Libby Liberty™.
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Principal Baker welcomed everyone to the 2017 Super Citizen Kickoff.
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Madden and Gray led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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The students join together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Libby makes her entrance and tells her official name Liberty Enlightening the World.
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Mary Ellis and Lillie help Libby show off her true measurements.
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Libby shows off her selfie stick to get a picture with the students.
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Libby tells the students of her journey to America.
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The chains around her feet are broken to symbolize our freedom.
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Lives on Liberty Island right next to Ellis Island.
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The students close their eyes to imagine coming to America for the first time.
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We all have different American stories!
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Libby recites the iconic poem “The New Colossus”.
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Libby introduces Mr. Palmer her helping hand who will teach the students important lessons.
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Sawyer, Summer, Christina, Aiden, Karis and Caden lead everyone in song.
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The view from the stage as they sing together.
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“Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
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The Next Great Americans of Forest Oaks Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Forest Oaks Elementary School
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Future Super Citizens of Forest Oaks Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Forest Oaks Elementary School
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Many thanks to Lori Dixon and Protective Life for their generous support of Liberty Learning Foundation.
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The official Libby Liberty™ selfie