Today, 200 second graders from Westside 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 sponsorship from the Marengo 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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Will and Alayna lead their classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance
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The Next Great Americans of Westside Elementary School
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Alabama is about to celebrate its 200th birthday with a bicentennial celebration.
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The students are excited to meet Libby Liberty™.
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The future Super Citizens of Westside Elementary School
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Libby introduces the students to Mr. Palmer, her helping hand who will help teach the students important lessons.
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Libby invites the students to close their eyes and imagine they are coming to America for the first time.
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She turned patina through a process called Oxidation.
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Her official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
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The Next Great Americans of Westside Elementary School
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Libby isn’t green like her friend Shrek, but a more sophisticated greenish patina.
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She asks the students what liberty means.
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Principal Jackson introduces Libby to the stage!
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The future Super Citizens of Westside Elementary School
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The Next Great Americans of Westside Elementary School
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The students picture seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time.
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Libby shows off her selfie stick to get a picture with the students.
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The smiling faces of Westside Elementary students.
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The Next Great Americans of Westside Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Westside Elementary School
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We are so proud to meet the sweet daughter of our friend from the Demopolis Times! Thank you for all your support!
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The Next Great Americans of Westside Elementary School
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Libby invites the students to imagine they are on a long, hard journey.
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Libby is so proud to meet Margie Belcher with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 5377!
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The chains around her feet are broken and symbolize our freedom from oppression.
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Keely and Adrian helped Libby show off her true measurements.
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Libby is proud to get a picture with Principal Jackson.
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Libby smiles with her new friend Margie Belcher and her old friend Principal Jackson!
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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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Her shoe size is 879!
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The Next Great Americans of Westside Elementary School
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The future Super Citizens of Westside Elementary School
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“Only you can keep the YOU in the USA.”
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Libby recites the iconic poem “The New Colossus.”
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Lance, Adrinya, ZyTaveon, Anna Bradley, and Sally help Libby with the Tour Anthem!
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The students and Libby are startled by the great white shark.
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The official Libby Liberty™ selfie