Today over 200 second graders from Early County 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.

“The kids enjoy learning the lessons. They get excited every day,” says second grade teacher Kimberly McFay. “I think it has helped give them a foundation of respect for our country. They are more mindful about how they behave and how they treat each other.”

Liberty Learning Foundation and local sponsors are 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.

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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 >