Wax Museum showcases student learning & creativity

All stood motionless, eyes locked on a far-away point. Only when a visitor stepped on the small button on the ground in front of them, did they snap to life.

These were just a few of the displays at Seely Place Elementary’s annual Fourth Grade Wax Museum, a bustling outdoor exhibition of student learning and creativity.

More than 60 "statues" rimmed the school’s courtyard, which was filled with as many visiting families, creating opportunities for hundreds of illuminating interactions with influential people. Assistant Principal Nathaniel Peterson was able to visit at least 20 exhibits. He said that he was impressed with how well the students knew their material and stayed in character. “This is one of my favorite events!” said Peterson. 

Statues spanned several millennia—from King Tut to Taylor Swift, and included authors J.K. Rowling and Edgar Allen Poe, athletes Pele and Simone Biles, those who persevered over physical challenges, such as Stephen Hawking and Helen Keller, and dozens of other people who have made a positive impact on history. 

Students have been working on their characters for the last few weeks. They read a biography about their subject and took notes on the subject's life and major achievements. Each student wrote a first-person presentation that was no more than two minutes long and memorized it. Creating costumes was part of the fun!

Throughout the event, the fourth graders’ enthusiasm and commitment to playing their part was evident. Only at the end, when the guests left, did they break character, and beam with pride at their achievements.

“We are so proud of you!” fourth grade teachers Mrs. Borella, Mr. Levin, Mrs. Edwards and Ms. Yeager said to the students.