Waxing, but Never Waning
By Robin Jovanovich
Ms. Gina Milite’s second-grade class at Resurrection School did an exemplary job getting in character and portraying admirable individuals who made an enduring difference at a Virtual Wax Museum June 4.
Each of the 14 “historians” arrived in costume carrying “a paper person” of their character, which opened to reveal facts they’d uncovered about him or her, as well as quotes, photos, and letters.
We learned that Amelia Earhart showed an early aptitude for science and sports. She broke many aviation records and was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1937, while attempting a flight around the world, her plane disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. She brought a poster showing the route of her final flight.
Two famous astronauts walked in — Neil Armstrong, the first person to step on the moon, and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.
Susan B. Anthony not only fought for women’s rights, but, starting as a teenager, collected petitions to abolish slavery.
Chemist Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win it twice.
Turning from wax into Abe Lincoln, our 16th President spoke about the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862 and his Gettysburg Address, delivered the following year, at the height of the Civil War.
Mother Teresa devoted her life to helping the poor and the sick. She told us that she named herself after a saint she admired. For her work around the world, she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Jackie Robinson wore his Brooklyn Dodgers uniform proudly. In 1947, he became the first African American to play Major League Baseball. No. 42 had a great career and is in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Before she was 2, Helen Keller lost her sight and her hearing because of an illness. With the help of a great teacher, she learned sign language and was able to speak to the world. Her portrayer shared a message in sign language.
During the Civil War, Clara Barton brought medicine and supplies to battlefields. She also helped identify missing and dead soldiers. Later, she founded the American Red Cross.
Jane Goodall spent her life among chimpanzees in Africa. She studied them and made groundbreaking discoveries.
When Lewis and Clark set off to explore the American West, one of their most invaluable guides was Sacagawea, who was only 16. She introduced them to other Native Americans and taught them about their cultures.
Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag, which she held up, with help from the father of our country, George Washington.
The heroes of the day were the second graders who took their assignments seriously and did a fine job portraying celebrated men and women whom we will long admire and remember.
