Today, more than 200 5th graders filled the US Jones gymnasium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Super Citizen Program, they are gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage.

These students have learned their important roles in America’s future thanks to an immersive experience in civic, character, financial literacy and social studies. And in the closing piece of the program, Torch Teams, 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 Authentic Liberty Replicas . They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!”

One of today’s heroes, Assistant District Attorney Alex Braswell, was especially moved by the presentation. “My daughter read about me which is very heartwarming. I’m getting teary-eyed just talking about it now,” said Braswell.

He added, “I hope they see that you can do whatever you want to do in life, but you have to embrace certain principles. Those principles are part of the American tradition: hard work, endurance, perseverance, and making the most of every opportunity … and doing it with honesty and integrity.”

See the heroes honored in the photo gallery below!

Today’s event and the donation of Super Citizen teaching kits was made possible by the Marengo County Community Alliance. With their help, we are teaching, inspiring and empowering our Next Great Americans.

Did you see today’s event? Were you as emotional as we were? Will you help us continue this amazing mission?
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Demopolis Assistant District Attorney Alex Braswell stands proudly with his daughter who honored him at today’s ceremony.

J.R. Rivas was honored today and emphasized that “We make a difference by living in such a way that your immediate family can see how you live by the golden rule.”