Super Citizen program inspires progress
By Lauren Wester
lauren.wester@yahoo.com
In late August, Russellville Elementary School and West Elementary School had a special visit from Libby Liberty for their annual Super Citizen Kickoff.
The partnership with the Liberty Learning Foundation that provides the Super Citizen Program, which has been in place for the past few years, has been advantageous for both schools, according to administration.
“We have seen a real growth in the students’ character and development,” said Deanna Hollimon, WES principal.
The 10-week program focuses on civic learning, building character, financial literacy and social studies, according to the foundation’s website. These lessons are incorporated into the students’ daily lesson plans throughout the 10 weeks.
The foundation provides teacher resource books and trade books for students that include lessons on topics like the Statue of Liberty and how the government handles money, explained RES third grade teacher Cortney Green. “The program teaches them how to give back to their community and how to be a good person,” she added.
Each class is a “Torch Team,” in which the students will nominate local community members who they believe deserve the title of Super Citizen. In the past students have nominated doctors, guidance counselors and veterans, RES assistant principal Paula Young said. The students then vote on who their Super Citizen will be.
When the students “graduate” from the program Nov. 6, they will announce their Super Citizens, read off the reason why they chose them and present those individual with a small figurine of the Statue of Liberty that is made from the same metal that the real statue is made of.
It’s a learning experience all around, according to Young. “Every year I learn something new from the program,” she said.
For the third graders, it also helps their writing skills, Green said. It’s a more in-depth program for them because of their age. When it comes time to nominate Super Citizens, the students have to write an essay on the person they have selected, explaining why.
“They remember what they learned last year and get more involved. It’s obviously sticking with them,” Hollimon said.
According to Green, it also helps build their background knowledge for those who will choose to go on the Washington trip in the fifth grade – making it a long-lasting educational experience for the students.
