With the help of local and state sponsors, 9th-grade students from Russellville High School are beginning the Citizen Promise Program this year. Students will learn valuable life skills, gain unique experiences, increase their financial literacy, and take action in their community to ensure they are ready for life after high school.
At the kickoff rally, students were introduced to the program and made the personal decision, or “promise,” to take advantage of all that this program offers throughout their high school career. Students and guests heard from motivational speaker Mr. Reeivice Girtman who challenged them to see the greatness in themselves.
At the rally, each student was given two coins: one displaying “Yes” on both sides and the other “No.” Then, they were challenged to make the personal decision to begin planning now for their futures by discarding one coin on their way out of the rally and into their school. The coin they kept with them represents the decision they each made and will be kept with them as reminders of the commitment they have made to themselves, their community, and their future.
The high school program is a continuation of the Super Citizen and American Character programs which teach important lessons of civics, character, and citizenship at the elementary and middle school levels. Through Citizen Promise, students will hear from guest speakers, community mentors, and professional experts on topics designed to help them explore and prepare for their own futures. On at least a monthly basis, the Liberty Learning Foundation will come into their classrooms to present a relevant life, citizen, or career topic.
Along the way, students will maintain journals of their learning and complete citizen actions which may involve learning about or participating in community-oriented activities. They will develop and maintain a digital portfolio that can help them showcase their experience when applying for jobs or colleges. At the end of their senior year, they will be eligible to win one of several Citizen Promise Grants which can be used to help jumpstart their next steps: whether that is purchasing tools for a new trade, a down payment on reliable transportation, or paying for college. The more Citizen Actions they have over their high school career, the more likely they are to earn one of the prized Citizen Promise Grants.
In Russellville, the program will follow these 9th graders every year and will also be offered to classes that follow. There will be opportunities for community volunteers to serve as classroom speakers, mentors, and helpers each year. This week’s kickoff rally is all because of the community-based leadership and support from businesses, elected officials, and organizations that believe investing in these students mean they are investing in the future of Russellville and the State of Alabama!
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- Every journey begins with a choice.
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- Today, our 9th graders were given two coins representing two different paths: YES or NO. As they heard stories, reflected on their own futures, and considered the promise ahead, they were challenged to decide which one they would choose.
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- “Two coins. Two choices. One future. Let the journey begin.”
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- Our hope? That they walk away choosing YES.
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- Today, our 9th graders began a journey that challenged them to consider the kind of future they want to build.
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- Our 9th graders arrived ready to discover what it means to choose YES to becoming Life, Career, and Citizen-Ready.
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- At the beginning of the Rally, every student received two coins — a YES and a NO. What happened next was up to them.
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- Every big journey starts with a decision. Today, our 9th graders were handed two coins and invited to think about one important question: What will you choose?
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- Reeivice Girtman challenged our 9th graders to think beyond today and consider the choices they are making for their future — their life, their career, and their role as a citizen.
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- Reeivice Girtman shared his own story of the moments, choices, and people that helped him say YES to becoming Life, Career, and Citizen-Ready.
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- They arrived with two coins, two choices, and a lot to think about. Then, they heard from someone who had once stood where they are today. Reeivice Girtman shared his story of when he made the choice to say YES to becoming Life, Career, and Citizen-Ready — reminding our students that their choices today can shape the future they build tomorrow.
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- That they walk away choosing YES.
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- Sometimes, one YES can be the beginning of an incredible journey.
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- One by one, our 9th graders made their choice — dropping their NO coin in the bucket and choosing a different path for their future.
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- And just like that… YES became their choice.
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- His story reminded our students that becoming the person you want to be starts with a choice — and sometimes, that choice can change everything.
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- A special thank you to our Jennifer Swinney, Alana Parker, & Mary Ellen Allen with CB&S Banik, Alan Rhudy with Community Spirit Bank, Nate Ayers, Assistant Superintendent, teachers, and community supporters for investing your time, encouragement, and belief in these students. Your presence reminds them that they have a community cheering them on every step of the way!