Erica Sandlin, a fifth-grader at Heritage Elementary School, nominated physical education teacher Coach LaJeanna Ray as a “Hometown Hero” with the “Super Citizen” program. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The pride of U.S. citizenship registered intently for fifth-graders at Heritage Elementary School in the “Super Citizen” program, affiliated with Liberty Learning Foundation.

The foundation bridges the gap between under-funded schools and passionate donors who believe in the value of strong civic character.

Since the Jan. 9 launch, fifth-graders had been training. Coordinator and fifth-grade teacher Kellye Ingraham said students were more engaged by completing the entire program, beginning to end.

In completing the Super Citizen program, students participated in lessons, such as “Lady Liberty,” “Torch Teams,” “Money Matters,” “Immigrants” and “Veteran Tribute.” The study culminated on Feb. 24 with a “Super Citizen Graduation and Celebration” that reinforced their value in America’s future.

Students formed “Torch Teams” to nominate and campaign for “Hometown Heroes,” or people they thought embodied qualities of Super Citizen. Nominees included Heritage staff, parents and residents, Ingraham said.

At graduation, each Hometown Hero received a Statue of Liberty replica, which cost $35 each. To raise funds, students decided on a ‘coin drop.’ “We discussed with students how many families at Heritage could afford to purchase an entire statue, but the focus was the significance of all of us coming together in a small way,” Ingraham said.

Students contributed more than $600 to honor 19 Hometown Heroes.

Nominating students and heroes were William Benedict honoring Pam Benedict; Matthew Bice – Greg Bice; Evan Lott – Willard Coffey; Ashton Evans – Jeff Evans; Walker Jacklin – Patrick Jacklin; Camdyn Jackson – Col. Billy Jackson; Harrison Strong – Abigail Lenzner; Annie Paschall – Diana Lipski; Nikki Lipski – James Lipski; Olivia Good – Lori Lott; Isaiah Bailey – Officer Patrick Niles; Olivia Ruble – Laura Minor; Jill Gallagher – nurse Pam Peppers; Emma Grace Lamb – Wendy Pharo; Erica Sandlin – Coach LaJeanna Ray; Diane Schott – Andrew Schott; Nick Spencer – Bobby Vernon; Aaliyah Washington – Rosheka Williams; and Andy Moore – Chad Wright.

Sponsors included the Madison County Commission, Belk of Huntsville and Jane K. Lowe Foundation.

For more information, visit LibertysLegacy.com.