Today 175 second graders from Leeds Primary 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 Jefferson 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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Phoenix & Jack lead their classmates 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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Levi & Drake help Libby show off her real measurements.
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Libby’s finger is 8 feet long, the length of a car.
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Libby shows off her selfie stick to get a picture with the students.
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There are 25 windows in her crown that you see the beautiful view of the New York Harbor.
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She isn’t green like Shrek, she turned patina through a process called oxidation.
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The letters on her tablet represent the date of American Independence!
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The chains around her feet are broken to symbolize our freedom from oppression.
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Mr. Eiffel designed her skeleton!
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On October 28, 1886 they had a huge celebration to welcome Libby home to America.
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Ellis Island is right next to Liberty Island, which is where Libby lives.
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These students imagine what it would be like to see the Statue of Liberty for the first time.
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The students close their eyes to imagine they are on a long, hard journey.
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Imagine coming to America by boat and seeing the lady in green for the first time.
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“We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.” – MLK Jr.
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We all share in the same bright future that is possible because of the ideals for which Libby stands.
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Libby shares the iconic poem “The New Colossus.”
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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 and her leaders sing together for freedom.
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The students filled the gym 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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Libby proudly poses for a picture with Principal Leah Pendergrass
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The Next Great Americans of Leeds Primary School!
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These 2nd grade students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These students get a picture with Libby Liberty™ after the program.
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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These great citizens are about to start their Super Citizen journey.
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These 2nd grade students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These 2nd grade students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.