This past week, Crenshaw County Schools held a unique graduation ceremony for second and third graders, in which they had the chance to earn the title of The Next Great American.

This year marks the first year that Brantley High School, Luverne High School and Highland Home School students participated in the Super Citizens Program with Liberty Learning Foundation, and the enthusiasm of the students showed in the ceremony.

The Liberty Learning Foundation is a non-profit organization, which  donates civic-based teaching tools to educators and facilitates learning experiences that teach, inspire and empower students to become the Next Great Americans.

With a total of seven second grade classes and eight third grade classes participating this year, approximately 385 students joined up to become Super Citizens.

During the program, students from all three schools were given the chance to honor those in their communities and schools that truly exemplified what it means to be a Super Citizen

“During Monday’s Super Citizen Celebration, it was incredibly emotional to see so many students stand in front of the crowd, speak in the microphone and share why their classes decided to honor that individual as a hero. It’s incredible to see the students nominate and honor those people that touch their lives everyday- like their school nurse or their coach,” said Barbara Sumner, director of public affairs for Liberty’s Legacy.

According to the program’s website, since 2010 this program has impacted 76, 570 students, 381 schools and communities, has delivered 2,708 kits delivered and teachers trained and has held 315 graduation celebrations.

“The best thing about this program is the impact that it not only has on the students, but it impacts entire communities as well. The heroes we spoke with today, shared with us how much being honored has inspired them to do an ever better job at what they do,” said Sumner.

The Helping Hand Heroes honored at this program ranged from school nurses, to pastors, to teachers and administrators to law enforcement officials. Each Helping Hands Hero was called to the stage, recognized and given an award to remind them of the impact they have made on the lives of the students in their community.

“They (Helping Hands Heroes) mentioned, I had no idea that someone was paying attention to my actions and I vow to do even more to help others. It’s so inspiring to hear that. The Super Citizen Program is improving child, community and country,” said Sumner.