Today 125 second graders from Shades Cahaba Elementary 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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- The Official Libby Liberty™ Selfie!
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- Mason, Meila, & Ashley 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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- Jackson & Tabitha help Libby show off her real measurements.
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- Libby is about the height of the average 5th grader or Harry Potter?!
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- She developed a greenish 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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- 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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- The students wave their flags in song.
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- Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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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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- The Next Great Americans of Shades Cahaba!
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- Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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- The Next Great Americans of Shades Cahaba!
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- School Board Member Julie Truitt smiles for a picture with Libby!
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- Libby gets a picture with Kelsey Brown!
