Madison Elementary School Students Create ‘Living Wax Museum’ in Wheeling, Portraying Taylor Swift, Sidney Crosby, Others
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WHEELING -- The spirits of Taylor Swift, Thomas Jefferson, Sidney Crosby, J.K. Rowling and others all were present Friday at Madison Elementary School when students presented their life stories.
The school exhibited "A Living Wax Museum," with many students dressed up as historic and culturally significant figures.
Teacher Chelsea Jorden explained that students in third through fifth grades worked together over the past four weeks to complete their projects.
It all started with teachers making a PowerPoint presentation, detailing notable people past and present. Students were asked to select their three top choices of people about whom they wanted to learn.
The teachers then chose for each student which of the subjects they would write an essay about, and some students got to dress like their subjects and pose for the "A Living Wax Museum" presentation.
"They loved it," Jorden said. "It was great to see the students working across grade levels, then collaborate together."
This is the first year teachers at the school tried the project, and they already are making plans to do it again next year, Jorden said.
Leah Clay carried a pink guitar as she portrayed Swift, while Kaniah Biggs read off information about Swift's life to guests. They learned Swift was born with excessively curly hair.
"I like her songs," Clay said.
Both girls said they were fans of Swift's song "You Belong With Me."
Cameron Fisher as singer Bruno Mars stayed in character, standing perfectly still and not talking during his presentation. Mara O'Brien read Mars' story, saying he was named for the late professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino.
Professional wrestler turned actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was in the house, courtesy of student Steve Williams, and so was former President Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Cayden Haught.
Basketball great Michael Jordan was portrayed by Jeremiah Parvall, and gymnast Simone Biles by Taliyeh Hairston.
Connor Skariot researched the life of Pittsburgh Penguin Sydney Crosby and dressed as him Friday.
"He is a Pittsburgh Penguin, and he was the youngest to ever play for them," Skariot said.
Mila Parsons portrayed writer J.K. Rowling, but she said it was fellow student Mark Hunter -- dressed as Rowling's character Harry Potter -- who was the big fan.
"I've watched it (the Harry Potter movies) a million times, and I love it when he defeats Voldemort," Hunter said.