Today, about 100 second graders from Shades Cahaba Elementary School 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 help from the Jefferson County Community Alliance 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.
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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Principal, John Lowry, Eli and AJ led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Principal Lowry welcomed everyone to the 2018 Super Citizen Kickoff.
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Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
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Patrick and Sam help Libby show off her true measurements.
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Libby posed for a selfie with the students.
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Libby compares her color to her good friend Shrek.
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She took on a green-looking patina through a scientific process known as Oxidation.
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The chains around her feet are broken and symbolize our freedom from oppression.
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Alabama will be celebrating its Bicentennial (200th birthday) next year in 2019.
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Libby asks the students to close their eyes and imagine being on a long, hard journey.
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They imagine seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time.
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These boys picture coming to America for the very 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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Libby recites the iconic poem, “The New Colossus”.
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“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” -Emma Lazarus
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The students will honor their community heroes with a Torch Pin that looks just like her.
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Jessica Quillin of the Liberty Learning Foundation introduces the students to their awesome sponsors.
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Adam, Rebekah, Morgan, Hope, Zariyah and Brynn lead the students and teachers in the tour anthem “YOU in the USA.”
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“Only you can keep the YOU in the USA.”
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The students sing together about liberty and freedom.
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The Next Great Americans of Shades Cahaba Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Shades Cahaba Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Shades Cahaba Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Shades Cahaba Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Shades Cahaba Elementary School
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Libby gets a picture with Principal Lowry and Assistant Principal Mrs. Story.
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The official Libby Liberty™ Selfie