Today, 1,000 elementary students from Madison County Schools came together to kick off the Super Citizen Program for 2017. 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 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 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 >
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These citizens get ready to meet Libby Liberty™.
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Madison County students smile for the camera.
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All smiles as they get ready to start their Super Citizen journey.
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The students are ready to kick off the Super Citizen program.
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The Madison County students are ready to see Libby Liberty™.
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Sparkman High School Principal, Chris Shaw, leads the students in the Pledge of Allegiance with the help of Brody, Zoey, Sam and Emily.
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The students join together to pledge allegiance to the flag.
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Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
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Cooper and Missy help Libby show off her true measurements.
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The students close their eyes to imagine coming to America 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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She stands for opportunity, hope and liberty.
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Libby Liberty™ recites the iconic poem “The New Colossus”.
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Jessica Quillin of the Liberty Learning Foundation introduces the students to their generous sponsors.
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Kylie, Sarah, Lillianne, Harper, Ella, Paulina, Khloe, Cole, Mykenna, Aubrie, Raychel, Hailey, Harper and Lillianne help Libby lead the students in the tour anthem “YOU in the USA”.
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The students wave their flags for freedom.
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The students do the motions to the song as they sing together.
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“Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
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The view of the crowd as they all sing together.
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Thank you to the Super Citizens of Sparkman High School for being such wonderful hosts.
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The Next Great Americans of Madison County.
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The future Super Citizens of Madison County.
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The Next Great Americans of Madison County.
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The future Super Citizens of Madison County.
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The Next Great Americans of Madison County.
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The future Super Citizens of Madison County.
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The Next Great Americans of Madison County.
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The future Super Citizens of Madison County.
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The Next Great Americans of Madison County.