Today 200 second graders from Leeds Primary 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 the generous sponsorship of 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.
Leeds Primary School principal Wes Graham says, “”It was amazing! In the world we live in, it’s so exciting to see kids so excited about our nation and the role they play in the future of our country.”
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 Leeds 2nd graders get excited to meet Libby Liberty.
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All smiles as they pose for a pre-kickoff picture.
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Izzy, Patrick, Abi Rose and Khloe lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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The students join together to pledge allegiance to the United States flag.
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Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
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Savannah and Sophia help Libby show off her true measurements.
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Her finger is 8 feet long!
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Libby reveals her huge shoe size.
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She is not green like Shrek!
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She turned patina through a process called Oxidation.
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Her chains are broken to symbolize our freedom from oppression.
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She lives on Liberty Island next to Ellis Island.
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Libby invites the students to close their eyes and imagine they are on a long, hard journey.
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They picture coming to America for the first time.
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The students can see the Statue of Liberty as they imagine what it is like to see her 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 introduces Mr. Palmer who will help teach lessons of liberty in the classroom.
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Tyler, Saniya, Alexis, Tinsley, Harrison, Kenneth, Gracie, William, Makayla and Ethan help lead the tour anthem, “YOU in the USA”.
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“Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
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The Next Great Americans of Leeds Primary School
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The future Super Citizens of Leeds Primary School
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The Next Great Americans of Leeds Primary School
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The future Super Citizens of Leeds Primary School
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The Next Great Americans of Leeds Primary School
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The future Super Citizens of Leeds Primary School
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The Next Great Americans of Leeds Primary School
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The future Super Citizens of Leeds Primary School
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The official Libby Liberty™ selfie.