Today more than 100 elementary students from Pike Liberal Arts came together to kick off the Super Citizen Program for 2016. 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 walks 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 >
- These students are getting ready to meet Libby Liberty™.
- All smiles as they wait to start the Super Citizen Program.
- The students pose with the Statue of Liberty replica and Torch Pin.
- These students are getting ready to meet Libby Liberty™.
- All smiles as they wait to start the Super Citizen Program.
- Head Master Baggett welcomed everyone to the 2016 Super Citizens Kickoff.
- This sweet citizen led everyone in prayer as they kicked off the program.
- Julieanna, Sarah, Lexie and Amy led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Tate and Carly helped Libby show off her true measurements.
- Libby’s finger, when on her pedestal, is 8 feet long.
- Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
- Ellis Island is right next to Liberty Island, which is where Libby lives.
- The chains around her feet are broken and symbolize our freedom from oppression.
- Libby shows off her selfie stick to get a picture with the students.
- “We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now”. MLK Jr.
- Libby asks the students to close their eyes to imagine they’ve been on a long hard journey.
- The students close their eyes to picture coming to America for the first time.
- Imagine coming to New York for the first time and being greeted by a huge lady in green.
- We all share in the same bright futures that are made possible by the things Libby stands for.
- Libby shares the iconic poem “The New Colossus”.
- The students join together to sing the tour anthem “YOU in the USA”.
- Libby and her helpers singing loud and proud!
- Jana Jordan of the Liberty Learning Foundation speaks to the students about appreciation.
- Libby represents the American Dream.
- Libby introduces Mr. Palmer, a Super Citizen and her helping hand.
- Libby leads the students in song.
- “Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
- Libby and her leaders sing together for freedom.
- The view of Pike Liberal students as they all sing together.
- A big thanks to Troy Bank & Trust for making this program possible to Pike Liberal students.
- Libby gets a post-kickoff picture with these Super Citizens.
- Our Next Great Americans of Pike Liberal
- Our future Super Citizens of Pike Liberal
- Our Next Great Americans of Pike Liberal
- Our future Super Citizens of Pike Liberal
- The official Libby Liberty™