Where do astronauts, baseball players and former presidents come together? At Wantagh Elementary School’s living wax museum, of course. The annual event took place on March 8 as the culmination of a biography research project for fifth graders. 

Each student selected someone from the past or present to research and portray. They used books and online resources to learn more about these famous figures, then created a presentation board with important facts. 

The wax museum opened in the morning with students dressed up as their noted men and women, from historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Edison, to contemporary individuals like Michelle Obama and Jane Goodall. Parents walked around and listened to the students’ prepared speeches.

Fifth grade teacher Kathryn McKeefrey said that the project emphasizes the importance of history in education and gives students an appreciation for people who have made a positive difference in the world. Traci Weiss added that students come away with research and presentation skills that they will use in middle school and beyond.

“They did an awesome job and really worked hard,” Ms. Weiss said. “This experience with public speaking will help them going forward.”