Second graders begin ‘Super Citizens’ program

RUSSELLVILLE Second graders from across Franklin County gathered at the Belgreen auditorium for a highenergy kickoff event introducing the Liberty Learning Foundation’s “Super Citizen” program.

The program spans 10 weeks and blends civics, character education, history, and financial literacy.

Through classroom activities, students will work together to nominate and honor local heroes — individuals they see as real-life examples of citizenship.

The launch event featured Libby Liberty, a costumed performer representing the Statue of Liberty who discussed history and how to be a good citizen.

She led students in chants and songs while explaining how the program would unfold.

“You’re going to learn more about me, our history and what it means to hold the most important title in the United States of America — and that title is citizen,” she said.

To help explain the program, Libby Liberty enlisted a character called Mr. Palmer, described as her “helping hand.”

The hand puppet appeared on stage with banter, jokes and introductions to a series of hand-themed characters who will appear throughout the curriculum.

“We work together to teach you about your important role in making this country, our world, a better place,” Palmer said, listing fictional teammates with names including Artie, Miss Hanley and Mr. Digits.

He said the program will use poems, vocabulary lessons and original songs to reinforce the material.

Palmer exited the stage to prepare for a surprise later in the event, leaving Libby Liberty to help students remember the three focus words of the program — citizen, community and appreciation.

The students will work in their classrooms to select and recognize a “real-life American hero” from their schools or communities.

“They can be anyone — a school custodian, a policeman, a firefighter, a veteran — anyone you think makes our country, our world, even better,” she said.

Those chosen will be honored with a small torch pin modeled after the torch held by the Statue of Liberty. Libby Liberty said the pin represents the American ideals of opportunity and hope.

Belgreen Principal Megean Berryman said the mix of information and presentation style helps keep the children engaged.

“It’s very informational but also entertaining. The students learn a lot about what it means to be a good citizen.”

Berryman said last year’s second graders at Belgreen chose to honor their janitors as “Super Citizens.”

“It meant so much to them to be recognized and appreciated,” she said.

The launch event concluded with a student singalong of the song “Only You Can Keep the You in the USA,” including motions tied to keywords like liberty and freedom.

Libby Liberty closed the program with encouragement for the students to stay excited as they begin their “Super Citizens” journey.

“You are the next great Americans,” she said. “When I go back home to my island in New York City, I’m going to raise my torch a little higher when I think about each and every one of you.”