Today elementary students from Brooks Elementary, Lauderdale Elementary, Lexington Elementary & Rogers Elementary Schools 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” DVD series). Upper elementary grades learn from the original Super Citizen Program kit that features DVD-based 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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Forrest & Hadley lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Libby is MUCH bigger when she’s on her pedestal in New York City!
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Ariyah, Aiden, and Gabriel help Libby show off her real measurements.
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Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.
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From the ground to the top of her torch she is about the length of a football field!
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There are 25 windows in her crown, from which you can see the beautiful view of the New York Harbor.
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She developed a greenish patina through a process called oxidation.
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Her torch is what lights the way to freedom.
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The letters on her tablet represent 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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In the workshop, the artist worked on all the different parts of Libby!
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On October 28, 1886 they had a huge celebration to welcome Libby home to America.
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Libby invites the students to imagine what it would be like to be an immigrant traveling to Ellis Island.
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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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You ARE The Next Great Americans!
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Super Citizens help Libby lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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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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We love seeing the students 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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Waving their flags in song and celebration!
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Libby’s helpers do a great job showing everyone the moves to “YOU in the USA!”
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Libby loves seeing the students excited to sing her tour anthem!
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These students are excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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These Lauderdale County students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Lauderdale County students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Lauderdale County students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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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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The Next Great Americans of Walker County!
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These Lauderdale County students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Lauderdale County students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Lauderdale County students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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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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The Next Great Americans of Lauderdale County!
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These students are excited to meet Libby Liberty!
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The Next Great Americans of Lauderdale County!
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Libby gets a picture with these amazing students after the kickoff.
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These Lauderdale County students are destined for greatness as they start their Super Citizen Journey!!
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The Official Libby Liberty™ Selfie!