Today, November 20th, 475 fifth graders from Thompson Intermediate School joined together to honor heroes, receive Super Citizen graduation certificates and take the pledge to continue becoming our Next Great Americans.
The Willis Foundation sponsored the program to ensure students are excited about civics, character, financial literacy, careers and their roles in America’s future. And after participating in “Torch Teams,” a project-based learning activity, they are ready to apply those lessons in the real world!
Today, they honored local heroes who embody the Super Citizen spirit with Authentic Liberty Replicas. The crowd was moved as these students shared emotional stories of how their heroes not only impacted their lives, but in some cases, also saved them.
Among the heroes honored were: Timothy Wass, Neely Woodley, Justin Fincher, Brent Byars, Rodger Offet, Christofer & Maria Rodriquez, Noah Galloway, Sheriff John Samaniego, Eddie Lovelady, Jarred Kato, Alisha Clayton, Louis Powell, Officer Greene, Ashley Rose, Richard Mitchell, Cinnamon Banks and Jerry Smith
As we say here at Liberty Learning Foundation, “When you honor a hero, you become a hero.” A hero requires selfless service to others, our communities and country, and we saw that process unfold today as our newest Super Citizens were handed the torch by their elder heroes today.
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- Excited students get ready for the celebration.
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- Super Citizens get ready to honor their heroes.
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- The next great Americans from Thompson Intermediate preparing for the Celebration to begin.
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- Excited students get ready for the celebration.
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- These Super Citizens are gearing up to honor their heroes.
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- The next great Americans from Thompson Intermediate.
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- Excited students get ready for the celebration.
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- Ready to honor their heroes.
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- Excited students get ready for the celebration.
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- Student and teacher ready to start the celebration.
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- The next great Americans from Thompson Intermediate
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- Principal Brent Byars welcomes everyone to the Super Citizen Graduation Celebration 2015!
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- Pledge volunteers: Avila’ Quintina and Madison Glass
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- High school students lead the crowd in the National Anthem.
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- Students tell about their hero.
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- Hero Timothy Wass with students Erin Wass and Lyne Lagat
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- Hero Neely Woodley with students: Belle Woodley & Katie Andrews
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- Hero Justin Fincher with students Hannah Fincher and Sydney Axtell
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- Hero Brent Byars with students Taylor Bennett and Hannia Ledezma
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- Hero Noah Galloway with students Conyers Preveaux and Maggie Hicks
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- Hero Sheriff John Samaniego with students Aiden Mourtardier & Karrington Channel
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- Hero Eddie Lovely with students Alyssa Lovelady & Kayla Noe
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- Hero Jarred Kato with students Makenna Kato & Kaydence Smith
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- Hero Alisha Clayton with students Omari Thomas & DJ Massey
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- Hero Louis Powell with students Kamryn Powell & Skyler Maddox
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- Hero Officer Greene with students Janiyah Johnson & Aramis Chancellor
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- Hero Ashley Rose with students Alanna Rose & Matthew Thompson
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- Hero Richard Mitchell with students Olivia Douglas & Owen Alcorn
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- Hero Cinnamon Banks with students Chloe Patrick & Patrick Ross
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- Hero Jerry Smith with students Breanna Smith and Katie McLean
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- Song helpers: Marlee Roach, Kylee Martin and Justin McKnight
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- Students take the Super Citizen Pledge.
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- Thompson Intermediate Super Citizens and their heroes pose for a picture on stage.
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- The students say thank you to Willis for sponsoring the program for 2015.