MADISON – The positive message of the Liberty Legacy Super Citizen program has been in the thoughts of Madison City Schools’ youngsters, especially as they selected their school’s Super Citizen.

An educational initiative, Liberty Legacy Super Citizen teaches students about important life skills, character development and civic responsibility. The aim is to inspire young learners to become outstanding citizens who contribute positively to their communities.

Students can accept the Super Citizen Pledge to uphold the values of good citizenship. The initiative encourages students to stay informed, actively participate in their communities, demonstrate kindness and contribute positively to society for future generations.

In one of Liberty Legacy’s important components, each elementary school nominated and voted to honor a Super Citizen, an individual in their school or community that shows positive qualities.

Columbia Elementary School students voted for their security guard, James Hannah, as Super Citizen, according to teacher contact Laura Pecor.

At Rainbow Elementary School, the hero was Princeton Soh, nominated by student Lewis Washburn.

Teacher contact, Jessica Keomany, said in assessing nomination essays “we were specifically looking for traits that reflected our Liberty Legacy curriculum and how they were articulated in a manner that demonstrated an understanding of ‘Super Citizen.’ Lewis went above and beyond when he explained the character traits of Mr. Soh and how he exemplifies a hero.”

Arleta McCall, teacher at Midtown Elementary School who coordinated Liberty Legacy activities, said fifth-graders selected India Chatmon. “Fifth-grader Olivia Reas said Ms. Chatmon is caring and always looking out for others. She doesn’t have superpowers, like mindreading or flying. She’s a great, fun-loving teacher with a huge heart, and she has loved her class.”

Mill Creek Elementary School voted for the late Jackie Smith as Super Citizen. Smith was the students’ “beloved late fifth-grade teacher. The legacy Ms. Smith leaves behind is immeasurable,” coordinator and fifth-grade teacher Susan Maynard said. On March 17, Smith died of cancer.

The students’ nomination letter for Jackie Smith was heartfelt:

“Our super citizen was amazing. Not only was she inspiring, but she always made us smile. She always helped her students understand any problems that they had.”

. . . Jackie Smith “was also a phenomenal person, even just to have a conversation with . . . She was really determined to make surprises for her kids and take the time out of her day so us students can enjoy the projects that she made for us.”

“She was an amazing coach, teacher and house mom. I got to know her best as a Greenpower team member, science student and her Green house family. She was the most selfless person I know.”

“She spent every Saturday at school leading the science clubs and even traveled for our Greenpower races. Most of all, she loved us. She was always there – in quiet ways and in loud ways . . . I hope we will all take the lessons she taught us and use them to make us better people,” the letter states.

Smith guided the fifth-graders through all difficulties they experienced. “She had perseverance and helped after school programs such as Greenpower. Our Super Citizen cared for us and always put us before. She made a huge impact on us but especially with Greenpower, extended day and science class. Thank you, Ms. Jackie Smith,” the letter stated.

Jackie Smith’s sister, Pam Stanford, accepted the award in Smith’s honor.