On Feb. 20, 2015, fifth grade students at Jones Valley Elementary gathered to await the on-stage arrival of Libby Liberty™ and her educational / theatrical performance that brings history to life. In this Super Citizen Program graduation, students received graduation certificates, took the Super Citizen Pledge and honored local heroes from the stage.

Though the program is a 10-week intensive in civics, character, financial literacy, careers and social studies, today also marked the completion of the program’s final piece: “Torch Teams.” The Torch Teams project brings lessons full-circle and out into the community by letting students apply learning to the real world.

“It amazing to see these kids honoring ‘heroes’ for the right reasons” says father and Liberty Learning Foundation representative Steven Jackson. “Just to see that they have an appreciation for the character that real, non-Hollywood, heroes have is heart-warming and really reaffirming.”

Today’s graduation celebration ended with a surprise speaker, Ray Jones, who delivered an impromptu, and tear-jerking speech that reiterated the importance of being responsible, outstanding citizens. Jones actually donated the land where Jones Valley School sits today. Now that’s a Super Citizen!

Special thanks to this year’s sponsors Madison County Commission, Jane K. Lowe Foundation and Surgery Center of Huntsville. These corporate donors made it possible to donate the teaching tools and live performances that help teachers round out the equation for a truly life and career-ready next generation.