Today 175 elementary students from Madison Academy came together to kick off the Super Citizen Program for 2024. 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 pulling up to the school and then the real-life Libby walked 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 tour 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 >
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Andy & Conner lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Libby’s official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
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Jackson and Kelsey help Libby show off her real measurements.
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Libby’s mouth is 3 feet long, about the length of an electric guitar!
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Libby’s finger is 8 feet long, the length of a car.
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Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.
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From the ground to the top of her torch she is about the length of a football field!
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There are 25 windows in her crown, from which you can see the beautiful view of the New York Harbor.
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The spikes on her crown are about the size of a Great White Shark.
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She isn’t green like Shrek, she turned patina through a process called oxidation.
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Her torch is what lights the way to freedom.
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Do you know what’s written on Libby’s tablet? Here’s a hint: It’s 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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Mr. Eiffel designed her skeleton!
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Libby’s skeleton is made of iron and steel!
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Libby invites the students to imagine what it would be like to be an immigrant traveling to Ellis Island.
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Libby shares Ellis Island’s great history of welcoming Immigrants to the United States.
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Some of us may be descendants of Native Americans!
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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 shares the iconic poem “The New Colossus.”
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“I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” –Emma Lazarus
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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 and Mr. Palmer are excited to share with the students about the Hands on Liberty program!
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She symbolizes the American Dream!
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Each student is an important part of so many different communities, both big and small!
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Libby wants the students to remember 3 words: Citizen, Community, and Appreciation!
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You ARE The Next Great Americans!
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Super Citizens help Libby lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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We love seeing the students excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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Singing along to our tour anthem!
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Libby’s helpers do a great job showing everyone the moves to “YOU in the USA!”
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Libby and her leaders sing together for freedom!
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Libby loves seeing the students excited to sing her tour anthem!
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Waving their flags in song and celebration!
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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Libby loves getting pictures with real-life Super Citizens and Community Leaders!
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These Madison Academy students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Madison Academy students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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These great citizens are about to start their Super Citizen journey.
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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The Next Great Americans of Madison Academy!
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These students are excited to meet Libby Liberty!
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These Madison Academy students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.