The 8th grade Living Wax Museum, facilitated by Grade 8 English Department Faculty Mr. Gautham Akula and Ms. Amanda Burnett, showcased historical figures selected by our students. Each student dressed the part and gave a well-rehearsed presentation to parents, faculty/staff, and visitors in the voice of these figures, giving their audience insight into the personal and professional lives of their chosen subjects. “Students do the research to decide who is worth representing and commemorating,” explained Ms. Burnett, who noted that “critical thinking” is one of the primary skills that this project hones. “The performance aspect gets them out of their shells,” she added.

Katherine W.i ’29, who brought Claude Monet’s presence to life, said she chose the Impressionist artist because of her interest in his style of work, which she described as “meaningful,” capturing the best of nature and how it changes in the sunlight. For her presentation, Ava M. ’29 represented singer-songwriter James Brown. “My Grandpa really liked him,” she said, “so I’ve heard his music since I was little.” Iris F. ’29 portrayed Agatha Christie and explained that her choice was based on her love of the detective novelist’s books. “I always read her [novels] every chance I get,” she exclaimed.

Other figures in the “Museum” included Ada Lovelace, a 19th-century computer programmer; founding father Alexander Hamilton; film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn; and William “Bill” Thaw, an American combat aviator who served in World War I. Fantastic job, 8th graders!