Did you know the Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France? Or that the statue is formally known as “Liberty Enlightening the World?”

Did you know there are  354 steps to the Lady Liberty’s crown and she is as tall as three football fields are long? Did you know the seven rays on the statue’s crown represents the seven seas and continents of the world and that the Statue of Liberty actually stands on Liberty Island? Ellis Island is just across New York Harbor. 

If you didn’t know those facts and a fist-full more, then you don’t know nearly as much about Lady Liberty as the 480-plus second- and third-grade students from Banks, Covenant Christian, Goshen, New Life Christian and Pike County elementary schools who attended the Super Citizen Kickoff at Troy University on Tuesday.

“Libby” Liberty took the spotlight but the focus of the program was on the students and their role as the Next Great Generation of Americans.

“Libby” Liberty shared information about the Statue of Liberty and told them that the statue’s only inscription is on the tablet in Lady Liberty’s  left hand.

“The inscription is in Roman Numerals JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776) which is the day the  United States adopted the Declaration of Independence, “Libby” Liberty said. “There is tape around Lady Liberty’s feet but the strings are broken. That shows our freedom from oppression.”

“Libby” Liberty told the young students many interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty and she also shared with them what it means to be an American and the opportunities and esponsibilities that come with citizenship. 

“With American citizenship come liberty and hope for all of us,” she said. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that Americans came on different ships but we are now in the same boat.”

The students were introduced to the Super Citizen Program which is being sponsored by Troy Bank & Trust.

Becky Saunders, Super Citizen Program, told the students that America is made up of super citizens — of everyday heroes — and they, as students and as the Next Great Americans, will have an opportunity through the Super Citizen Program to nominate and vote for Super Citizens in their community, which is made up of people with like interests, common goals and shared responsibilities. 

Saunders said the Super Citizen Program makes learning history, civics, financial literacy and career readiness exciting and helps build a strong community of students who are “the future of America.” The program’s immersive learning experiences teach students to become responsible outstanding citizens. They will learn about those who are making a difference in their community and how, as young citizens, they, too, can make a positive difference.