Today 300 second graders from Helena Elementary School 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 generous sponsorship by 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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Jaxon & Avie lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Libby Liberty™ makes her entrance to reveal her true name: “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
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Libby’s mouth is 3 feet long, about the length of an electric guitar!
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Libby’s finger is 8 feet long, the length of a car.
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Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.
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From the ground to the top of her torch she is about the length of a football field!
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There are 25 windows in her crown, from which you can see the beautiful view of the New York Harbor.
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She developed a greenish patina through a process called oxidation.
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Her torch is what lights the way to freedom.
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Do you know what’s written on Libby’s tablet? Here’s a hint: It’s the date of American Independence!
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Mr. Eiffel designed her skeleton, just like he designed the Eiffel Tower!
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They put her together like a Minecraft Figure!
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They put her together piece by piece, like the most gigantic lego structure EVER!
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October 28, 1886 is Libby’s birthday!
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Ellis Island is right next to Liberty Island, which is where Libby lives.
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Libby invites the students to imagine what it would be like to be an immigrant traveling to Ellis Island.
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“I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” –Emma Lazarus
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Libby and Mr. Palmer are excited to share with the students about the Hands on Liberty program!
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Libby leads the students in showing their appreciation for everyone who made the event possible!
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You ARE The Next Great Americans!
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Super Citizens help Libby 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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Libby and her leaders sing together for freedom!
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We love seeing the students excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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Waving their flags in song and celebration!
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Singing along to our tour anthem!
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Waving their flags in song and celebration!
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These students are excited to sing 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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We love seeing the students excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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Super Citizens help Libby lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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These Helena Elementary students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Helena Elementary students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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The Next Great Americans of Helena Elementary!
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These Helena Elementary students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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Libby greets the wonderful students of Helena Elementary!
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These Helena Elementary students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Helena Elementary students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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These students chat with Libby after their kickoff!
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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These Helena Elementary students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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The Next Great Americans of Helena Elementary!
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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These Helena Elementary students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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The Official Libby Liberty™ Selfie!
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Libby loves getting pictures with real-life Super Citizens and Community Leaders!