Today, 2nd graders from Joe M. Gillmore 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!
Today’s event and the donation of Super Citizen teaching kits was made possible by the Clarke 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 >
- Showing off their Helping Hands Graduation Certificate!
- These Clarke County 2nd grade students are excited to honor their heroes and get their Hands on Liberty graduation certificates!
- Grison and Mollie lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Landon proudly honored Nick Waugh as his class’s Helping Hands Hero, recognizing the positive impact he makes in the community, with Missy Howard accepting the honor on his behalf.
- Chloee recognized Shawn Scott as her class’s Helping Hands Hero, honoring his service and dedication as a police officer.
- Caroline celebrated Hiram Gunter as her class’s Helping Hands Hero, appreciating the commitment he shows in his role as a police officer.
- Kanyiah proudly chose Candra Hales as her class’s Helping Hands Hero, recognizing the difference she makes in the community.
- Erica honored Tyrone Moye as her class’s Helping Hands Hero, celebrating his leadership and service as a Clarke County Commissioner.
- The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
- Leading the crowd in song!
- U.S.A.!
- We love seeing the students excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
- Waving their flags in song and celebration!
- Singing along to our tour anthem!
- “Freedom! Liberty! It starts with you and me!”
- Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
- U.S.A.!
- These students are singing our tour anthem loud and proud!
- We were honored to spend the morning celebrating with our heroes, students, donors, administrators, and special guests. Thank you to Jackie Daffin, Assistant Superintendent; Kim Ketchum, Principal of Gillmore Elementary; Bridget Moye, Assistant Principal of Gillmore Elementary; and Tyrone Moye, Clarke County District 4 Commissioner for celebrating with us!


















