Special to the Enquirer

Nov. 14, second grade students from Barkley Bridge, Crestline and F.E. Burleson Elementary schools filled the Hartselle High School Auditorium. After finishing 10 weeks in the Super Citizen Program, they gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage.

Thanks to hands-on teaching, these students have begun learning about their important roles in America’s future. The “Hands on Liberty” DVD series and accompanying activities and lesson plans teach crucial lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies to a tech-centric generation. And in the closing piece of the program, Helping Hands, students are applying those crucial lessons in the real world.

Students chose heroes who embodied the traits of amazing citizens and read essays from stage before presenting them with Liberty Pins. They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!”

Local sponsors of the program include Cerrowire, NuCor Steel, Decatur Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Parker Moore, Rep. Scott Stadthagen, Eva Bank, Alabama Department of Education, AlaTrade Foods, Alfa, Blue Cross and Blue Shield