Today elementary students came together to kick off the Super Citizen Program for 2024. 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 pulling up to the school and then the real-life Libby walked 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 tour 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” series). Upper elementary grades learn from the original Super Citizen Program kit that features 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 >
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TaRiyah & Sadia lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Libby’s official name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
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Libby’s mouth is 3 feet long, about the length of an electric guitar!
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Amarius, Braxton, & Braelynn help Libby show off her real measurements.
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Libby’s finger is 8 feet long, the length of a car.
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Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.
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The spikes on her crown are about the size of a Great White Shark.
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She isn’t green like Shrek, she turned patina through a process called oxidation.
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Her torch is what lights the way to freedom.
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Do you know what’s written on Libby’s tablet? Here’s a hint: It’s the date of American Independence!
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The chains around her feet are broken to symbolize our freedom from oppression.
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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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We all share in the same bright future that is possible because of the ideals for which Libby stands.
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“I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” –Emma Lazarus
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Libby leads the students in showing their appreciation for everyone who made the event possible!
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Libby and her leaders sing together for freedom!
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The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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These students are singing our tour anthem loud and proud!
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We love seeing the students excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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These students are excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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Waving their flags in song and celebration!
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“Freedom! Liberty! It starts with you and me!”
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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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We are so thankful for Mayor James Perkins, Jr. and his presence at our event today!
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Thankful to Vivian Rogers, Dallas County Commissioner for her part in making the Next Great Americans!
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We were very lucky to get to hear from Senator Robert Stewart at today’s event!
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Libby loves getting pictures with real-life Super Citizens and Community Leaders!
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Libby and Senator Robert Stewart grab a picture after the show!
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Mayor Perkins and Libby pose for a picture!
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Commissioner Vivian Rogers and Libby smile for a picture!
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These Selma City students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These great citizens are about to start their Super Citizen journey.
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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Libby greets the wonderful students of Selma City!
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These great citizens are about to start their Super Citizen journey.
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These Selma City students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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These Selma City students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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Libby greets the wonderful students of Selma City!
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The Next Great Americans of Selma City!
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These great citizens are about to start their Super Citizen journey.
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These Selma City students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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These Selma City students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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Libby greets the wonderful students of Selma City!
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The Next Great Americans of Selma City!
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These great citizens are about to start their Super Citizen journey.
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These Selma City students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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These Selma City students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.