Today, 2nd graders from Springville Odenville, & Margaret Elementary Schools filled the Springville Middle School Auditorium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Hands on Liberty Program, they are gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage.
Thanks to Mr. Palmer and his very hands-on teaching, these students have begun learning about their important roles in America’s future. The “Hands on Liberty” series and accompanying activities and lesson plans teach crucial lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies to a tech-centric generation. And in the closing piece of the program, Helping Hands, students are applying those crucial lessons in the real world.
Students chose heroes who embodied the traits of amazing citizens and read essays from stage before presenting them with Liberty Pins. They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!”
See heroes honored and a glimpse of the exciting event in the gallery below!
Today’s event and the donation of Super Citizen teaching kits was made possible by the St. Clair County Community Alliance. With their help, we are teaching, inspiring and empowering our Next Great Americans.
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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- Excited to celebrate, honor heroes, and take their pledges!
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- These students are excited to begin their Hands on Liberty Celebration!
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- These St. Clair 2nd grade students are excited to honor their heroes and get their Hands on Liberty graduation certificates!
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- St. Clair County Elementary Curriculum Coordinator, Michael Bissell & teachers are excited to celebrate!
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- Jason, Amelia, & Owen lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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- Penelope proudly shares why Springville students chose their computer teacher, Traci Murray, as a Helping Hands Hero.
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- Avery shares why Shannon Carter was chosen as a Springville Helping Hands Hero for all she does to help and encourage students each day.
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- Carson shares all about Springville P.E. Coach Courtney Emerson and the impact she makes on their school community!
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- SRO Josh Melton shows Springville students what bravery and perseverance truly looks like, and that’s why Anna Lou honored him as a Helping Hands Hero! Springville Principal Chris Hill accepts on his behalf.
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- Willah tells everyone all about Springville Elementary’s school secretary Janet Rush and all she does in their school to make it a better place to learn and why they chose her as a Helping Hands Hero.
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- From the stage, Sloan proudly explains why Springville 2nd graders selected School Counselor Tami Spirres, as their Helping Hands Hero for the compassion she shows every day.
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- Cash honors Odenville Principal Jessica Lumpkin as a Helping Hands Hero for all she does for their school community!
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- Kaelyn proudly explains why Odenville 2nd graders selected School Counselor Andi Stafford, as their Helping Hands Hero for the compassion she shows every day.
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- Abel shares with everyone about his mom, Odenville PTA President and all she does to serve their community and that is why he and his friends chose her as a Helping Hands Hero!
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- From the stage, Ansely proudly tells why her mom, Allison Wiggins was selected as a Odenville Helping Hands Hero for the impact she makes on her school and community.
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- Dominic tells everyone all about Odenville Elementary’s school secretary Whitney Torres and all she does at their school and that is why they chose her as a Helping Hands Hero.
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- Odenville Math Coach, Cassity Grigsby is a great example of what a Super Citizen is and that is why they chose her as their Helping Hands Hero! Bryson & Kyrie take the mic to share all about her.
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- Margaret second graders honored Firefighter Ryan McQueen as their Helping Hands Hero for all he does to serve and protect their community. His son, Maddox and his friend Finn shared about his dedication from the stage.
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- Ryleigh shares all about why her big brother, Isaiah Ballinger is honored as a Margaret Helping Hands Hero!
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- Laila tells everyone why her aunt, Megan Colley is chosen as a Margaret Helping Hands Hero!
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- Pastor Rick Deerman is honored as a Margaret Helping Hands Hero by Ariana for all he has done to show her kindness, love, and acceptance.
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- Officer Sam Noblitt is a great example of the traits that make you a true hero, and that’s why his grandson, JR and his friend Finn chose to honor him today as a Margaret Helping Hands Hero!
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- The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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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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- Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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- Singing along to our tour anthem!
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- “Freedom! Liberty! It starts with you and me!”
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- Waving their flags in song and celebration!
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- Students, heroes, and guests alike singing along to our tour anthem!
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- U.S.A.!
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- These students are singing our tour anthem loud and proud!
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- Singing along to our tour anthem!
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- We were honored to spend the afternoon celebrating with our heroes, students, donors, administrators, and special guests. Thank you to School Board member Allison Gray; Elementary Curriculum Coordinator, Michael Bissell; & Assistant Elementary Curriculum Coordinator, Lea Sumerel for celebrating with us!