Today, 2nd graders from Wills Valley Elementary School filled the gymnasium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Super Citizen 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” DVD series and accompanying activities and lesson plans teach crucial lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies to the iPhone, iPad 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 its 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? Please consider making a gift of any amount today >
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- The smiling students of Wills Valley gear up to honor their heroes.
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- The second graders of Wills Valley show off their Super Citizen graduation certificate.
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- Brayden, Haydi, Braelyn and Grant lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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- The students stand together to pledge allegiance to the United States flag.
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- Seanna honored her Principal and Helping Hand Hero, Sally Wheat.
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- Assistant Principal Houston Henderson was honored today by Sophia.
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- Former Principal and Helping Hand Hero Cathy Jones was honored today by Nicole.
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- Martha Chambers was honored as a Helping Hand Hero by Conner today at the Celebration.
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- Olivia honors her mother and hero, Leslie Bowman.
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- Kristen Sharp and Erene stand in honor of her Helping Hand Hero Mrs. Connie Green.
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- Jennifer McCurdy was honored today by her son as a Helping Hand Hero.
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- Parker honored his grandfather and hero Gerald Bowman.
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- Aiden honored her mother and hero, Janet Guerra.
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- Lindsay stands with her hero Carol Waites.
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- Kathy Russell was honored today by Jasmine as a Helping Hand Hero.
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- These students show off their sponsor t-shirts during the celebration.
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- Kelly Sanderson was honored today as a Helping Hand Hero by Barron.
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- Patrick honored Crystal Buffington as his Helping Hand Hero.
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- Susan Hollingsworth stands with Kinsley and Lynn as she is honored as a Helping Hand Hero.
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- Gracie, Addison, Eli, Stella and Emma lead the students in “This Land is Your Land”.
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- The students proudly wore the logo of their generous sponsors.
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- Kristen Sharp, Natalie, Lydie, Noemi, Ciana and Zander help lead the crowd in the tour anthem “YOU in the USA”.
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- “Only you can keep the YOU in the USA”.
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- Kristen Sharp and her helpers demonstrate the motions to the song so all can join in.
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- The gym was filled with the voices of second graders singing about liberty and freedom.
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- The 2017 WIlls Valley Helping Hand Heroes
Fort Payne Zaxby’s owner Kelly Sanderson was honored today for his community service and for sponsoring the Super Citizen Program. In addition to the civics, financial literacy and character components of the program, he hopes the students learn to “look after others and be kind to others. I think that’s one of the most important things in life.”