Regions Bank manager Zac Richardson hands out Super Citizen diplomas to Hartselle Intermediate School students. | Brent Maze

Hartselle fifth graders got the opportunity to honor local heroes as a part of the graduation ceremony Friday for Hartselle Intermediate School’s Super Citizen Program.

The program, which was sponsored by the Liberty Learning Foundation and Regions Bank, started back in September. The students learned about its three pillars: character education, financial literacy and career development.

The students formed torch teams and selected local residents to honor throughout the day. The teams raised money and presented the heroes with a Statue of Liberty replica.

“Torch Team Heroes” honored included: Chris Lovelady – dedicated father of physically disabled child, Bob Pettit – Alabama State Trooper,Steve Vaughn – firefighter and veteran, Melissa and Brian Cagle- nurse and CSX worker, Robert Culp – veteran, Jimmy Cain – war veteran (died in Beirut bombings), Luther Bannister – wounded war veteran, Brian Vines – currently deployed, Kristen Lupton – missionary, Danny Razzato – war veteran and Chad Guest – school resource officer.