Over 900, crown-wearing, flag-waving, fifth graders cheered, clapped and counted down to a grand entrance by Libby Liberty™ at Bob Jones High School. Fresh off her Next Great Americans Tour bus, the lady in green brought history to life and introduced students to the 10-week civics, character, financial literacy and social studies program they’ll begin after her bus rolls away.

The Super Citizen experience includes today’s kickoff event, immersive learning and community service projects and will culminate with a graduation celebration that sees students honoring local, everyday heroes from stage.

“The program has been awesome for my students,” said Irene Smith. “They have really taken ownership of their citizenship and how important each person is. Their self esteem has improved and they have a desire to be better. To say ‘this is my country. I am a citizen. I have these rights … I’m free and I can be a hero and make a difference in the world. They started taking opportunities to help one another. The program helps in every stage: reading, writing … presentations.”

MariBeth Morgan, who volunteered on behalf of AdTran, said, “This program started here in Huntsville so we need to continue that legacy. It was a pleasure for AdTran to be involved and we will continue our involvement.”

These crucial lessons are being taught thanks to funding from members of the Madison County Community Alliance who understand that these lessons must be taught despite school budget cuts. The day ended with a rousing sing-a-long of the tour’s anthem, “YOU in the U.S.A.”

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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 >