From scientists to painters to presidents, there were a lot of famous people at Wantagh Elementary School on March 7. Fifth graders created a living wax museum, a long-standing tradition that is the culmination of a biography research project.

Students spent weeks learning about famous figures from the past and present. Each fifth grader selected one person who made significant accomplishments to society. There were many notable individuals like Neil Armstrong, Albert Einstein and Jackie Robinson, but students also went beyond the well-known names. Found among the crowd were poet laureate Amanda Gordon, founder of the Girl Scouts Juliette Gordon Low and inventor of penicillin Alexander Fleming. 

With more than 100 students participating, the wax museum was set up in three locations in the school. Each child dressed up as his or her famous person and also created a tri-fold board display. Information include the person’s background, achievements and fun facts. Parents visited in the morning and fourth graders, who will do the project next year, came by in the afternoon. 

“They’re always very excited,” fifth grade teacher Traci Weiss said, noting that this a project the students look forward to for many years. “They really like dressing up. It’s their big day and they’re proud of themselves because they worked hard and learned a lot.”