Today 2nd and 3rd grade elementary students from University Charter School came together to kick off the Super Citizen Program for 2024. They waved flags, wore Statue of Liberty crowns and counted down for Libby Liberty™ to take the stage. On three huge screens “live video” shows her Next Great Americans tour pulling up to the school and then the real-life Libby walked out from behind the screens!
The lady in green brought history to life and introduced students to the 10-week civic, character, financial literacy and social studies program they will begin when her tour rolls away. She told them that they already have the most important title in the world: “CITIZEN.”
Students in multiple grades are participating in the Super Citizen Program. The younger grades are taught by an innovative civic education program starring Mr. Palmer (the hand-puppet host of the “Hands on Liberty” DVD series). Upper elementary grades learn from the original Super Citizen Program kit that features DVD-based lessons, class activities and the emotional, unforgettable “Torch Teams” project-based learning experience. In Torch Teams, students team up, nominate, vote for and, ultimately, honor local heroes from stage at their graduation later this year. They learn that “When you honor a hero, you become a hero.”
Today’s event and the injection of civic learning is free to schools because of generous community sponsors who understand that these crucial lessons must be taught despite school time and budget constraints.
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 >
-
-
The Official Libby Liberty™ Selfie!
-
-
June and Adalyn lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.
-
-
Libby Liberty™ makes her entrance to reveal her true name: “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
-
-
Libby’s mouth is 3 feet long, about the length of an electric guitar!
-
-
Madison and Nikolas } help Libby show off her real measurements.
-
-
Libby’s finger is 8 feet long, the length of a car.
-
-
Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.
-
-
She developed a greenish patina through a process called oxidation.
-
-
The letters on her tablet represent the date of American Independence!
-
-
She was built all the way across the Atlantic Ocean in Paris, France!
-
-
They put her together piece by piece like the most gigantic lego structure EVER!
-
-
On October 28, 1886 they had a huge celebration to welcome Libby home to America.
-
-
Imagine coming to America by boat and seeing the lady in green for the first time.
-
-
“We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.” – MLK Jr.
-
-
We all share in the same bright future that is possible because of the ideals for which Libby stands.
-
-
Libby shares the iconic poem “The New Colossus.”
-
-
She symbolizes the American Dream!
-
-
Super Citizens help Libby lead everyone in our tour anthem.
-
-
Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
-
-
Libby and her leaders sing together for freedom!
-
-
Waving their flags in song and celebration!
-
-
Libby loves seeing the students excited to sing her tour anthem!
-
-
Libby loves having Super Citizens singing along to her tour anthem!
-
-
Singing along to our tour anthem!
-
-
Singing loud and proud!
-
-
Libby loves seeing the students excited to sing her tour anthem!
-
-
The students and heroes filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
-
-
Liibby proudly poses for a picture with Representative Artis J. “AJ” McCampbell
-
-
Principal Meghan Dunn and Libby get a picture after the show!
-
-
Libby poses with these Super Citizens!
-
-
Libby always loves pictures with great Super Citizens!
-
-
These students get a picture with Libby Liberty™ after the program.
-
-
University Charter students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
-
-
Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
-
-
The Next Great Americans of Sumter County!