Today more than 150 second graders from Pelham Ridge 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 generous sponsorship by The Shelby County Community Alliance, The Willis Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Benjamin Norris, Richard Meadows, AlaTrade Foods, ScreenTech and Protective Life) 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.

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.

Browse photos in the gallery below >