Today, 2nd graders from Wills Valley Elementary School filled the Wills Valley Recreation Center Gymnasium. 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 DeKalb 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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- Wills Valley 2nd grade students are getting ready to honor their heroes!
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- These Wills Valley 2nd grade students are excited to honor their heroes and get their Hands on Liberty graduation certificates!
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- Showing off their Helping Hands Graduation Certificate!
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- Excited to celebrate, honor heroes, and take their pledges!
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- Allie Grace & Eli lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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- Musical guest Addison McClure sang “God Bless the USA.”
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- From the stage, Josie proudly tells why her grandmother “Nana” – Carol Miller was selected as a Helping Hands Hero
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- Rhett shares all about Cheryl McNichols and the impact she makes on their school community!
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- Ava shares with everyone about her dad, Judge Jermy Taylor and all he does to serve their community and that is why she and her friends chose him as a Helping Hands Hero!
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- From the stage, Winston proudly explains why his mom, Elizabeth Isbell is chosen as a Helping Hands Hero
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- Oliver proudly honors Tom Wilson as aHelping Hands Hero for his dedication to serving the community
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- From the stage, Maggie proudly tells why her grandmother “Mimi” -Peggy Byrd was selected as a Helping Hands Hero
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- Maggie Mae & Barbara honor Principal Jennifer List as a Helping Hands Hero for all she does for their school community!
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- Honoring 27 years of dedication! Wills Valley is so proud to celebrate retiring teacher Tammy Lacey, who has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of her students. Today, she is honored by her students as a true Helping Hands Hero, with special reflections shared by Sawyer. Thank you, Tammy, for an incredible career at Will Valley!
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- Super Citizens lead everyone in our tour anthem.
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- U.S.A.!
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- Singing along to our tour anthem!
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- These students are excited to sing along to our tour anthem!
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- “Freedom! Liberty! It starts with you and me!”
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- U.S.A.!
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- Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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- These students are singing our tour anthem loud and proud!
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- Waving their flags in song and celebration!
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- Wills Valley 2nd graders sing our tour anthem with the students!
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- Only YOU can keep the “U” in the U.S.A.!
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- We were honored to spend the afternoon celebrating with our heroes, students, donors, administrators, and special guests. Thank you to our friend: Kayla Blansit with First Southern State Bank; Brian Baine, Mayor of Fort Payne, & Principal Jennifer List for celebrating with us!