During the last school year, I had the opportunity to witness patriotism in action within our local schools. This week, that same opportunity presented itself again when “Libby Liberty” paid her third visit in as many years to the students at U.S. Jones Elementary School.
The program held Tuesday morning is the kickoff to Liberty Learning Foundation’s Super Citizen Program, which aims at teaching children about patriotism, civics, character, and, of course, citizenship. The students are obviously excited to see Libby Liberty and to get this program underway each year.

While there are many wonderful attributes of the program, perhaps the best is that the students learn about the little things they can do to become “Super Citizens.” Learning that the simple acts of being involved in their community, being kind, and helping their neighbors are enough to qualify for the title.
The children learn this valuable lesson by considering and nominating individuals from our own community who they consider to be Super Citizens. Through that process, the students will learn that you don’t have to be in Congress or own a multi-million dollar business to make a difference in their communities. It is truly a wonderful site to see the excitement of these students as they get their Super Citizen program underway.
But, nominating Super Citizens is only one aspect of the program. Over the coming weeks, the Liberty Learning Foundation teams up with local teachers to provide curriculum aimed at teaching about our history and the responsibilities and duties we all have as citizens of our nation.
When we think about it, our schools’ primary mission is to teach our students responsible citizenship. After all, learning to read, write, add and subtract is the foundation of becoming productive citizens within our communities. As students grow into higher grades, they learn about teamwork, rational debate, and compromise. But, sometimes it may be difficult for students to see that big picture and how the things they are learning today will make them better citizens tomorrow. But, the Super Citizen program makes it clear to students that it is important to learn about our nation’s history, how government works, and what it means to be a member of a community.
While most states require a civics class in high school, it is important that we reach out to younger children to teach and encourage them to be active citizens and that is exactly what the Super Citizen program is all about. It’s fun, it’s educational, and it provides students with a sense of pride in their nation and community.
The Demopolis City School System is providing a great service to their students, and for the future of our community, by bringing this program to our students. There are also local businesses that believe in the cause enough to support it financially. By working together we truly can help the next generation become Super Citizens themselves.

— Robert Blankenship is the publisher and editor of the Demopolis Times. He can be reached by email at robert.blankenship@demopolistimes.com