Today, 2nd graders from Hamilton Elementary School filled their gymnasium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Hands on Liberty 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” 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.
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!
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- Showing off their Helping Hands Graduation Certificate!
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- These Hamilton Elementary 2nd grade students are excited to honor their heroes and get their Helping Hands graduation certificates!
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- Lilian and Brody lead students, heroes, and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance!
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- Harper and Zackii told us all about their hero, SRO Scotty Chandler!
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- Now it’s time for Hamilton 2nd graders to take their Helping Hands Pledge!
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- Pledging to be a Helping Hand!
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- Taking their Helping Hands pledge!
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- These students placed their hands on their heart and promised to be a Super Citizen.
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- Mr. Palmer himself led the students in their Helping Hands Pledge!
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- Mr. Palmer says “you’ve gotta do good to be good,” and these students pledged to do just that.
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- 2nd grade students pledged to “be responsible for what they say and do, in their country, community, family, and school.”
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- Super Citizens lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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- The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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- Leading the crowd in song!
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- “Freedom! Liberty! It starts with you and me!”
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- These students are singing our tour anthem loud and proud!
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- Singing along to our tour anthem!
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- Students, heroes, and teachers alike singing along to our tour anthem!
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- The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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- Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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- We were honored to spend the afternoon celebrating with our heroes, students, and amazing teachers.
Today’s event and the donation of Super Citizen teaching kits was made possible by the Marion 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 >