Today more than 300 elementary students from Andalusia Elementary came together to kick off the Super Citizen Program for 2016. 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 bus pulling up to the school, her exiting the bus and then, the real-life Libby walks 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 bus 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 >
- These Andalusia students are excited to meet Libby Liberty™.
- The students pose with the Torch Pin and Statue of Liberty replica before the kickoff begins.
- These smiling students are starting their Super Citizen journey.
- These Andalusia students are excited to meet Libby Liberty™.
- These smiling students are starting their Super Citizen journey.
- Tionna, Ava and John Robert lead their classmates in the pledge
- The students stand together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Principal Alane Brunson welcomes everyone to the 2016 Super Citizen Kickoff.
- Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
- Jacob and Jessa show off the length of Libby’s mouth
- Libby shows off her selfie stick for a quick picture.
- The chains around her feet are broken and symbolize our freedom from oppression.
- Libby’s birthday is October 28, 1886.
- The students close their eyes to imagine coming to America for the first time.
- We all have different American stories but share the same bright futures.
- Libby shares the iconic poem, “The New Colossus”.
- Libby introduces her helping hand, Mr. Palmer.
- Jana Jordan of the Liberty Learning Foundation speaks to the students about becoming Super Citizens.
- “YOU in the USA song helpers: Annystin, Layla, Noah, AJ, Mia Reagan and Kailey
- Libby leads the students in the tour anthem “YOU in the USA”.
- “Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
- The view from the stage as the students raise their voices in song.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The Next Great Americans of Andalusia Elementary School.
- The future Super Citizens of Andalusia Elementary Students.
- The official Libby Liberty™ selfie