Wax museum brings history — and third-graders — to life at Walnut Creek Elementary

Walnut Creek elementary sprang to life Friday, Nov. 14 when the third grade students of Tonya Widder’s classroom presented the annual living wax museum.

The event allows students to pick their favorite historical figure, be that person in the past or present, and explore their lives before presenting their stories to visitors.

The list of students and characters included Graceyn Beachy, Hellen Keller; Nora Beachy, Sacagawea; Nora Brown, Taylor Swift; Evie Coblentz, Queen Elizabeth II; Violet Eaton, Annie Oakley; Jemma Henry, Amelia Earhart; Asher Hochstetler, Kobe Bryant; Carrie Hostetler, Harriet Tubman; Brantley Kolb, Stan Lee; Kinsley Ling, Princess Diana; Brady Miller, Tom Brady; Nelly Miller, Dolly Parton; Homer Miller, P.T. Barnum; Mak Miller, Henry Ford; Layla Raber, Ariana Grande; Nora Riehle, Laura Ingles Wilder; Jennica Sommers, Simone Biles; Bella Wengerd, Julia Child; and Henry Yoder, Jackie Robinson.

Third grade teacher Tonya Widder said the kids chose some new characters this year including P.T. Barnum, Henry Ford, Simone Biles and Harriet Tubman.

The students brought their characters to life one quarter at a time, all for a good cause.

“Our kids love this so much,” said Widder, who admitted there is no way she could possibly not do this event because the kids anticipate it so eagerly. “Not only do they love doing this because they get to choose a character who means something to them, they are doing something that they will remember forever.”

Each year this event invites parents and grandparents to visit and hear the various character stories, as well as all students from the school.

In addition, the quarters add up, with the wax museum usually bringing in from $300-$400, and the funds will eventually go to a charitable purpose.

“We start with any needs in the classroom. Then we go to the school, community, the country and finally the world,” Widder said. “The kids vote for whatever option they want individually and anonymously, and the money goes wherever they choose.”

Walnut Creek Principal Darrell Haven said this event is one that energizes the entire school and the community.

“Our kids love this,” Haven said. “They practice hard and learn a lot, and usually because the third-graders have experienced this from the classes before them doing it, they start asking about it from the beginning of the school year. Mrs. Widder has worked hard to make this very hands-on and fun for everyone involved.”

Widder said the kids become absorbed in studying their characters and getting to know them. While many young people edge away from having to talk in front of adults, Widder said this is a great way for them to do that in a less intimidating way.

“They practice so hard, so their confidence grows,” Widder said. “I’ve never had a child who didn’t thrive in this atmosphere. Part of the third grade standards is presentation, and this gives them a chance to grow a little bit in terms of public speaking.”

The gymnasium came alive as parents and grandparents poured in, and as they dropped their quarters (and sometimes more) into each receptacle, the wax figures came to life as the students shared tidbits of history from their chosen famous person’s life.

The students had a variety of reasons for picking the characters they opted to portray.

“I just think Amelia Earhart is pretty cool,” Henry said. “I like how she took on a challenge. That’s something to look up to.”

Homer Miller, who chose P.T. Barnum, said of his choice, “He was creative, and it was fun to learn more about him.”

Julia Child is someone most youngsters never knew existed, but she served as a role model for Wengerd.

“I didn’t know anything about her before this, but I do like to cook, so she seemed interesting,” Wengerd said.

“She is very cool, and she was a sharpshooter, which I love,” Eaton said of Annie Oakley.

Hostetler’s choice of portraying Tubman hinged on her realization that Tubman was not only a key historical figure, but also a compassionate human being.

“She was a great woman who led slaves to freedom,” Hostetler said. “I think the most important thing I learned was that being brave is one of the best things you can be.”

New to the game this year was Stan Lee, portrayed by Kolb. Kolb, a big Marvel fan, said getting to know someone he admires was fun, and sharing that knowledge with others was satisfying.

Now complete, the third-graders will anticipate seeing their hard work go toward a good cause as they donate the proceeds, knowing they also have set an example for next year’s crop of third-graders.