One hundred and fifty crown-wearing, flag-waving fifth graders cheered, clapped and counted down to a grand entrance by Libby Liberty™ at Gardendale 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 Jefferson County Community Alliance, which understands 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.”
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See photos of the event and class photos with Libby Liberty™ in the gallery below!
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- These are the smiling faces of Gardendale’s next great Americans.
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- These future Super Citizens pose with the Authentic Statue of Liberty Replica.
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- These Gardendale students are excited to meet Libby Liberty™ and kick off the Super Citizen Program.
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- These are the smiling faces of Gardendale’s next great Americans.
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- These future Super Citizens pose with the Authentic Statue of Liberty Replica.
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- These Gardendale students are excited to meet Libby Liberty™ and kick off the Super Citizen Program.
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- Pledge Volunteers: Arthur, Mary Grace, Reece, Karmen, Bryson and Brayden
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- The students say the Pledge of Allegiance as the program begins.
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- The students of Gardendale pledge allegiance to the American Flag.
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- Joseph and Catey help Libby show off her true measurements when on her pedestal.
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- Joseph and Catey help show that Libby’s finger is 8 feet long.
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- Libby shows off her selfie stick to get a selfie with the Gardendale students.
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- The students pose for a selfie with Libby Liberty™.
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- Libby tells stories of her creation and journey to America.
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- Libby explains how the torch she holds lights the way for freedom to all.
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- The students close their eyes to imagine coming to America for the first time.
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- These students use their imagination to picture being welcomed to America by the huge lady in green.
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- Libby explains that we all share in the same freedoms and bright futures that are made possible by the things she stands for.
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- Libby Liberty™ shares the iconic poem “The New Colossus”.
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- Emlyee, Ariel, Ada, Kennedy, Gavin and Davian led the students in the song “YOU in the USA”.
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- The students of Gardendale raise their voices together to sing “YOU in the USA”.
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- The students of Gardendale raise their voices together to sing “YOU in the USA”.
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- Emlyee, Ariel, Ada, Kennedy, Gavin and Davian led the students in the song “YOU in the USA”.
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- The students of Gardendale raise their voices together to sing “YOU in the USA”.
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- The students of Gardendale raise their voices together to sing “YOU in the USA”.
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- Libby Liberty’s view as she leads the students in “YOU in the USA”.
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- The Next Great Americans of Gardendale Elementary
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- The future Super Citizens of Gardendale Elementary
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- The Next Great Americans of Gardendale Elementary
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- The future Super Citizens of Gardendale Elementary
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- The Next Great Americans of Gardendale Elementary
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- The future Super Citizens of Gardendale Elementary
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- Libby poses for a picture with this Super Citizen.
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- Libby poses for a picture with these Super Citizens.
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- Libby gets a picture with these special students after the kick off.