Parents tour Dobbins’ Wax Museum
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .P.T. Barnum was portrayed by Matteo Lefoer at the Wax Museum in Dobbins May 21. Second-graders chose a person who had an impact on American history to research and impersonate.
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Second-grader Jeremy Castro was Frank Sinatra during Dobbins' third-grade Wax Museum. Each student was graded on a written report on their character and an oral presentation during the museum.
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Second-graders Emily Masluk (left), Nick Havlin and Julie Clemente give parents a synopsis of who they are and how they impacted history. More than 30 historic figures were impersonated during Dobbins' third-grade Wax Museum.
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Laurie O'Connor (right) touches the smiley face button on Sean O'Connor to activate his speaking abilities. Sean, who impersonated Vincent Van Gogh, then began to recite information about Van Gogh's life.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Chuck Yeager, Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart and Sacagawea were just a few individuals impersonated by Dobbins Elementary students May 21.
Third-graders transformed themselves into historical figures for the school’s annual Wax Museum. The classes of Marlene Booher and Debbie Patsko participated in the educational event. Each student was given the opportunity to impersonate a person who had an impact on American history.
Students were given a list containing more than 100 historic figures to choose from. It was their responsibility to research and prepare a research paper and anecdotal presentation on their character of choice. Booher and Patsko walked through the Wax Museum grading each student on their oral presentation while offering on-the-spot positive criticism.
Parents were invited to the museum and educated on the diverse group of American heroes. Jenelle Spagnola’s daughter, Anna, dressed as Helen Keller for the wax exhibit. The mother was impressed by the Wax Museum and the array of individuals that were represented. Her daughter researched online and at the local library to get information for her paper and presentation.
“It’s a good opportunity for them to learn about someone who made a difference,” Spagnola said. “It’s also an opportunity for the kids to do something besides play games.”
To activate the wax figures — the students — parents had to touch a large yellow smiley face located of the student’s shoulder.
They would then come to life and recite information about their character.
Patsko said the museum helps students strengthen their public speaking skills and raise their self-confidence.
Sarah Butch chose Hawaii’s Queen Liliuokalani to impersonate because of her unique background. Butch said she became queen in 1891 and is most popular for her song Aloha ‘Oe.
“I thought it would be interesting to learn about her and what she did,” she said.
The Wax Museum has been used an educational tool at Dobbins for more than 30 years. Principal Cheryl Borovitcky said it provides a fun way for students to learn about monumental figures in history.
“This event has become a third-grade tradition at Dobbins,” Borovitcky said.
“Our students look forward to taking on their unique role in the program.”