Andrews – History came alive on Feb. 17, when fifth-grade classes at Andrews Elementary School dressed as their favorite historic American heroes for the second annual Living Museum presentations.
Planning for the event began in September, when school librarian Samantha Cross and fifth-grade English and social studies teacher Melinda Woods sought ways to engage students to connect with history beyond the printed page or computer screen while also serving to meet the school’s American history curriculum requirements.
“We wanted them to research figures from American history who have changed the world for the better and made important contributions throughout,” Woods said.
Cross added, “We wanted our students to make connections through their hero’s contributions, the focus of their research.”
Principal Kim Davis gushed with pride when ushering visitors through the various classrooms.
“They had to pick defining quotes from their research and choose three important characteristics their hero embodied in their life and work to change history,” she said. “They’ve done an amazing job this year with their attention to choices and in their research.”
The theme of the Living Museum was brainstormed by Cross and Woods last year to get students off the page and into real life. Woods dressed as Rosie the Riveter this year to celebrate with her students.
The students offered a tour of presentations early in the day, and Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Keevin Woody stopped by to share in the lessons. Parents and family were also welcome both early and later in the afternoon.
Students again designed their own accompanying poster boards and recited prepared speeches about each figure while also dressing period appropriate.
President Ronald Reagan, as portrayed by Grayson Cutshaw, in a suit and tie, was chosen because “he went from being a lifeguard to an actor to being president, which shows his leadership abilities.”
Abigail Adams, replete with her ruffled mob cap and matron’s apron, as played by Addison Taylor also made an appearance. Taylor said her first inspiration came from her niece, who is also named Abigail, to learning that Adams held “a special place in history as both the wife to one president and the mother of another.”
Twentieth-century musicians were popular as well, with Colton Lambert as Johnny Cash since he’s been “listening to him since I was 2 years old.” He strummed chords and said his favorite song is “Folsom Prison Blues.”
Adding to the iconic country music flare Gracie Mathis chose popular musician Dolly Parton “because of her generosity and her being from the Smoky Mountains along her gorgeous looks.”
Probably the most obscure historical figure was portrayed by Lukas Clark. In full camouflage fatigues, Clark picked conscientious objector Desmond Doss because of “his bravery and sacrifice.”
Representing Indigenous and Native American culture Magnus Woods portrayed Chief Sitting Bull “because he was courageous and wise,” while Janna Stewart chose ballerina Maria Tallchief because of “her strength as a dancer and the fact that she broke through so many barriers.”
To celebrate Black History
Month, William Tran chose George Washington Carver because of “his important contributions to agriculture along with his many inventions.”
For Women’s History Month in March, there were many female figures represented including the first female U.S. astronaut Sally Ride played by AzLynn Phillips, who chose Ride because of her “bravery and strength” and “because I’m interested in space exploration.”
Design icon Lilly Pulitzer was also in attendance with Molly Spinn serving up sunshine and signature prints which Spinn said was inspired “by a first trip to one of her stores in Florida.”
Mayleigh Rogers portrayed legend Betty White because of “her kindness to animals and the fact that I had a duck named for her.”