BY KARISSA MILLER

Cool Spring Elementary School students recently transformed themselves into historical figures as part of the school’s famous North Carolinian Wax Museum Day.

Fourth-graders, who were dressed up as wax depictions of their figures, came to life with a push of a “button” on their hand.

Student Lyle Seuss dressed up as local living legend and someone he admires — his dad Andy Seuss, a professional racecar driver.

“I chose my dad because I love him and I love racing,” Andy explained.

“For my research, I interviewed him. I found out what he was like growing up in New Hampshire and that he won back-to-back championships,” he added.

Lyle said he was most excited to wear his dad’s old racing helmet.

“He wore this when he was around my age,” he said.

Among the famous North Carolinians on display were famous actor Ava Gardner, aviator Orville Wright, NBA legend Michael Jordan and evangelist Billy Graham.

Amelia Mejia, who dressed up as Ava Gardner, said she chose the famous actress because she played in Westerns.

“I feel like I can relate to her a lot because she has passion for acting and is very polite,” Amelia said. “I want to be an actress, too.”

Student Corban Kiser was dressed in a three-piece suit and tie and was holding up a Bible in his hands.

“I chose Billy Graham because I love God and want people to be able to go to heaven,” he said. “John 3:16 is his favorite Bible verse, and it’s also mine.”

Corban said he enjoyed putting himself “in his shoes and seeing what his life was like.”

When he grows up he wants to be either a detective, ethical hacker, video game creator or a preacher.

Each year, the entire school body visits the wax museum and the school opens the doors for families to visit, too.

Fourth-grade teacher Mandy Harrington said that this is event is a student favorite activity.

“This is a 20-plus year tradition. All of our fourth-graders research a famous North Carolinian. We study North Carolina history. While there’s lot of wax museums, we put our own spin on it.”

After researching for a few weeks, each student then puts together a brief speech. They can put their speech on a small index card or memorize it for the museum day.

Many of the fourth-graders opt to memorize their speech because it gives them a sense of pride over their work.

In addition, students create a timeline and complete a display containing information that they learned about their famous North Carolinian with a photo.

Harrington said the project integrates N.C. history, research, writing and exposes students to public speaking.

Teacher Kristinia Stoker said that generations of families have participated in the wax museum.

“Our families have come to love and expect it each year. We have students on the first day of school ask if we are doing the wax museum. It’s a great learning experience for our kids,” she said.

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