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Seventh grade students in Covington County Schools united as one for the Liberty Learning Foundation’s Good Characters Expo and shared their service-learning projects at the central office on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Students research the lives and achievements of prominent American historical figures through their participation in Liberty Learning Foundation’s American Character Program. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through mentor-led service projects.

“Today’s Good Characters Expo for Covington County seventh graders stands out as one of the most meaningful and impactful expos,” Liberty Learning Foundation Program Director Tawanna Vickers said. “I have the privilege of seeing seventh graders make choices and create service projects in their communities across the state. With five different school communities, we were honored to witness the excitement and pride these students showed as they shared the incredible differences they are making in their communities.”

Students spoke to their peers, parents, and community leaders from their booths as they presented their projects at the conclusion of the program.

“Community service is not just about giving back. It’s about growing forward. Our students looked around their communities and took notice of areas of need. They made plans and put them in action,” Covington County Schools Curriculum Coordinator Nikki Guilford said.

Students attending this year’s expo were from Fleeta Junior High School, Florala High School, Pleasant Home School, Red Level School, and Straughn Middle School.

“This was an opportunity for them to learn empathy, recognize our responsibilities to each other, and see the impact of collective action. Their ideas and follow through are impressive, and I am thankful we are teaching our students how to be amazing citizens in our community,” Guilford said. “This middle school initiative encourages students to collaborate on group service-learning projects and develop leadership qualities that will prepare them to be future community leaders,” Vickers added.

Four donors from the local community helped make the expo possible this year. Those include the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation, Covington Electric Cooperative, PowerSouth, and Southeast Alabama Gas District.

For more information visit libertylearning.org or call 256-640-7025.