Today 175 second graders from Indian Valley 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 by the Talladega County 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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Brooks & Dorothy 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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Gunner and Eleana 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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The Official Libby Liberty™ Selfie!
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Libby reveals her 879 inch shoe size.
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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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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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She was built all the way across the Atlantic Ocean in Paris, France!
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They put her together like a Minecraft Figure!
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On October 28, 1886 they had a huge celebration to welcome Libby home to America.
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Ellis Island is right next to Liberty Island, which is where Libby lives.
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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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“We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.” – MLK Jr.
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Libby shares the iconic poem “The New Colossus.”
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Libby and Mr. Palmer are excited to share with the students about the Hands on Liberty program!
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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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These students are excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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Libby’s helpers do a great job showing everyone the moves to “YOU in the USA!”
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Singing along to our tour anthem!
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Libby loves seeing the students excited to sing her 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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Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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The students filled the room with their voices as they sang “YOU in the USA.”
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Libby loves getting pictures with real-life Super Citizens and Community Leaders!
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We are so thankful for Shelia Howard & Dana Travis’ presence at our event today!
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Thankful to Sylacauga Mayor Jim Heigl for his part in making the Next Great Americans!
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Thankful to Superintendent Dr. Michele Eller & Principal Dr. Paula Bruno for their part in making the Next Great Americans!
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These Sylacauga City students are excited to pose with Libby Liberty™.
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These Sylacauga City 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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Libby greets the wonderful students of Sylacauga City!
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The Next Great Americans of Sylacauga City!