Today, 2nd graders from Gadsden City Schools filled the Gadsden City High School Auditorium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Super Citizen Program, they are gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage.
Thanks to Mr. Palmer and his very hands-on teaching, these students have begun learning about their important roles in America’s future. The “Hands on Liberty” DVD series and accompanying activities and lesson plans teach crucial lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies to a tech-centric generation. And in the closing piece of the program, Helping Hands, students are applying those crucial lessons in the real world.
Alabama House of Representatives, District 28, Gil Isbell: “It’s really been a phenomenal experience especially to me because being around these young children, it gets you excited… At the beginning I didn’t know what to expect, but it is a great education tool- it shows pride and honor and it really helps the children understand what the United States is about. It is a very very good program to help them nurture these children and to help them learn along the way- about the United States, about the Statue of Liberty, and what it is to live in the United States.”
Students chose heroes who embodied the traits of amazing citizens and read essays from stage before presenting them with Liberty Pins. They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!
See heroes honored and a glimpse of the exciting event in the gallery below!
Today’s event and the donation of Super Citizen teaching kits was made possible by the Etowah County Community Alliance. With their help, we are teaching, inspiring and empowering our Next Great Americans.
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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2nd graders showing off their Helping Hands Graduation Certificate!
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These 2nd graders are excited to honor their heroes and get their graduation certificates!
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Annabel & Julie lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Toshna Towells is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by Tezaria.
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Gavin honored his mom, Sheneka Bothwell as a Helping Hands Hero and his dad Roderrick Taylor accepted for her.
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Bruce Wood is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by his grandson, Palmer.
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Ty honored his granddad, G.W. Campbell as a Helping Hands Hero.
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Taylor Elkins is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by London.
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Jy’Necia honored the school’s custodian, Shann Porter as a Helping Hands Hero.
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Nurse Martha Lopez is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by Zendrix.
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Kylie, Molly, & Sophia honored their school nurse, Lauren Wood as a Helping Hands Hero.
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Conteria Williams is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by Azariah & Saadia
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Principal Patrice Maxwell is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by Charlie, ReNaya, & Amelia.
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Avi & her friend Torrian honored her mom, Amy Zuniga as a Helping Hands Hero
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The staff from Riverview Regional Medical Center is honored as Helping Hands Heroes by Edgar. Accepting on behalf of the staff are Kareena Lowery & Mandy Kisor
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Kourtne’ honored Reading Coach, Mandisa Perry as a Helping Hands Hero
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Ruth honored Batina Brown as a Helping Hands Hero. Ms. Harris accepted on her behalf.
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Prinicipal Kristen Wood is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by Penelope.
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School Nurse Kelli Reeves is honored as a Helping Hands Hero by Lexi.
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Taking their Helping Hands Pledge.
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Even our heroes stood with these 2nd graders and took the Helping Hands Pledge today1
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Super Citizens lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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Thank you to our amazing sponsors!!
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The students filled the auditorium with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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These students singing along to our tour anthem!
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The students wave their flags in song.
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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U.S.A.!
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Celebrating in song!
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U.S.A.!
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Gadsden City Schools Helping Hands Heroes!
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Superintendent Tony Reddick speaks to his 2nd grade students and shares is pride in them for their accomplishment on becoming Super Citizens!
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Angie Sparks with LLF proudly poses with our friends, Heather New with The Chamber, Gadsden & Etowah County, & Representative Gil Isbell from Etowah County Community Dev Committee – House District 28
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Angie is proud to get a picture with Superintendent Tony Reddick.