These two fifth-graders got into the spirit of celebrating independence during the Lady Liberty Super Citizen program at James Clemens High School auditorium. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – More than 700 Madison elementary students watched American history come to life during the Lady Liberty Super Citizen Program on Jan. 9.

Students from Columbia, Heritage, Horizon, Madison, Mill Creek, Rainbow and West Madison elementary schools filled the auditorium at James Clemens High School for the 45-minute theatrical performance. A re-enactor gave personification to the Statue of Liberty.

The Liberty Learning Foundation presents the Next Great Americans Bus Tour in its mission to help students “discover and define their important roles in America’s future,” foundation founder Patti Yancey said. “The tour brings attention to the urgent need for tools that make it easy and exciting for educators to teach character education and civic responsibility right alongside required subjects.”

During the program, Lady Liberty led students on a journey through history and introduced the Super Citizen program. Students, faculty and community leaders ended the show with anthem sing-along.

In upcoming weeks, students will learn about ways to become a “Super Citizen. Students are also learning valuable lessons in civics, character building, career readiness, financial literacy and other good citizen traits,” Yancey said.

“We know our mission of delivering these program kits free of charge to every school in the country is ambitious. We also realize that we Americans have a history of dreaming big … and succeeding,” Yancey said.

Organizers thanked local sponsors Belk department store, Madison County Commission, and Jane K. Lowe Foundation.

Liberty Learning Foundation receives help from donors who believe in the importance of strong civic character. The foundation helps educators to empower students with an understanding of history, heritage and American ideals fundamental to the success of the next generation of ‘Great Americans.’

Dignitaries attending the program at James Clemens included Laurie Sammons and president Patti Yancey, Liberty Learning Foundation; Madison Mayor Troy Trulock; Madison First Lady Dana Trulock; Jill Driscoll, Belk; Jimmy Jenkins, Northrup Grumman; Madison City Councilman Mike Potter; and Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler.

For more information, visit Libertylearning.org.