CHELSEA – About 300 second grade students from Forest Oaks and Chelsea Park elementary schools were recognized as Super Citizens, and local Helping Hands Heroes were also honored at ceremonies at the schools on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

The graduation ceremonies marked the end of a 10-week program that began with a kickoff event and included teachers using Liberty Learning Foundation resources.

Kristen Campbell with Liberty Learning reminded students of the importance of being a citizen of their respective communities.

“Students, we get to feel even more special as a citizen in Alabama because we are about to celebrate our 200th birthday,” Campbell said. “It’s called a Bicentennial celebration, which means it happens in the 200th year. We will get to witness and participate in many special events over the next two years celebrating as a citizen, a community and we get to show our appreciation for what makes our state great.”

A student from each class then took the stage to recognize the Helping Hand Heroes:

Forest Oaks Elementary School heroes were Tracy Watson, nurse; Tony Picklesimer, mayor of Chelsea; Chris Harmon, school resource officer; Asenath Arnold, instructional support staff; and Russell Bentley, maintenance supervisor.

Chelsea Park Elementary School heroes were Jennifer Galloway, principal; Cindy Gasaway, custodian; Ashley Grainger, library media specialist; James Osborn, custodian; Melissa Rasco, secretary; Heather Long, nurse; Jessi Adams, counselor; and Betty Mills, cafeteria manager.

All the students received Super Citizen Graduation certificates.

“I’d like to encourage each of you to hang this certificate in a place of importance,” Campbell said. “Look at this certificate each day and be reminded of what you’ve learned. You are all Super Citizens, and you will be the difference.”

The students then watched a video message from Libby Liberty and recited the Super Citizen Pledge.