Today second graders from Oliver 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 Russell 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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Principal Edwards welcomes everyone to the Super Citizen kickoff.
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Mason and Ali 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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Brandon and Amirea help Libby show off her real measurements.
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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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The spikes on her crown are about the size of a Great White Shark.
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She developed a greenish patina through a process called oxidation.
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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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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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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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William, Peyden, Nyemha, Ali, Kora, Jamia, Makiya, Jayden, Emily, & Armani help Libby lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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The students wave their flags in song.
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The students filled the gym with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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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 special students after the kickoff.
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These great citizens are about to start their Super Citizen journey.
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Libby gets a picture with Principal Edwards, School Counselor Mrs. Overby, and Penny with LLF.
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The Official Libby Liberty™ Selfie!