WILTON — Students at Academy Hill School held a wax museum presentation Monday afternoon, November 19, to showcase what they had learned about a famous person.

At the wax museum presentation Nov. 19 at Academy Hill School in Wilton, Emma Jo Wilson at left portrayed Queen Elizabeth while Abbie Packard was Princess Diana. (Pam Harnden/Franklin Journal)

Morgan Badeau, a fourth grade teacher, said the students picked a person of their choice to read a book about.

“All fourth and fifth grade students participated. Students could do more research online if they wanted. They had to come up with a costume based on their character.

“Those chosen were famous for all sorts of different things. Some are from Maine. Some are from today,” Badeau said.

Each student had designed a tri-fold display board featuring information about his or her character. Some students had other props which highlighted their person. In order to learn about one of the characters, visitors had to press a large red button which gave the wax figure permission to speak.

Fourth and fifth grade students at Academy Hill School in Wilton held a wax museum presentation Nov. 19 to share what they had learned after reading about a famous person. Alvin DeCosta is seen with Madison Cordes who was in character as Sasha Cohen. (Pam Harnden/Franklin Journal)

Taylor Rand appeared as Elsa Schiaperelli.

“Elsa was born in 1890. She was known for making dresses and shoe hats. When she was seven, she wanted to be a fashion designer. Elsa died in 1973,” Taylor said.

Fifth grade teacher Lucinda Dreschler said, “This has been a fun project. The students were highly engaged. They got to choose their biography, design a tri-fold and role play by dressing up as their person.”

Mackenzie Torres read about JoJo Siwa and chose to portray the YouTube sensation at the wax museum presentation held at the Academy Hill School in Wilton Nov. 19. (Pam Harnden/Franklin Journal)

Madison Cordes had read about figure skater Sasha Cohen. She liked getting dressed up as her person.

“I learned Sasha only got gold and silver medals,” Madison said.

There were two different versions of Helen Keller, several Indians including Sacagawea, and famous sports personalities.

Isaac Knox was Albert Einstein.

“I was born on March 14, 1879. I am known for the Theory of Relativity. Before I was famous, people thought I was stupid. I sent a letter to the president of the United States warning him of the atomic bomb. I had two wives and died at the age of 72 in 1955,” Isaac said.

Academy Hill School student Taylor Rand appeared as Elsa Schiaperelli, known for designing dresses and shoe hats, at the wax museum presentation Nov. 19 at the Wilton school. (Pam Harnden/Franklin Journal)

He learned Einstein didn’t like tests. He found it interesting to learn about his theories of life and matter.

“I learned he was offered the presidency of Israel but he declined,” Isaac said.

Mackenzie Torres portrayed JoJo Siwa after reading the book JoJo’s Guide to the Sweet Life. JoJo is an American dancer, actor, singer and YouTube personality. She is fifteen.

Next to one another were Emma Jo Latham as Queen Elizabeth and Abbie Packard as Princess Diana. Both wore long gowns and crowns befitting of their characters.

Fourth grade teacher Marissa Dyar and fifth grade teacher Nancy Ellis were also involved with the wax museum project.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net