FROM STAFF REPORTS

You probably can recite some facts about George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, but what do you know about the lives of Susan B. Anthony, Davy Crockett and Oprah Winfrey?

The second-graders at Helena Elementary School not only know who these famous Americans are, but they also recently had the opportunity to portray these Americans at the third-annual Living Museum held Feb. 28-29.

Second-grade teachers Debbie Patterson and Cynthia Brast served as museum curators.

“The Living Museum was a huge success where learning was not only meaningful, but was also fun. It is a day where history becomes much more than a lesson in a book,” Patterson said. “The students learned not only about their famous American, but also about the Americans that their classmates portrayed.”

The second-grade hallways were even lined with famous Americans from the past and the present. All through February, the second-graders celebrated Black History Month by sharing interesting facts about the contributions of famous black Americans over the intercom during morning announcements.

Student Chandler Lowder played Tiger Woods. Chandler learned that at the age of 6, Tiger made his first hole-in-one.

“Now that is something. Tiger was younger than me,” Lowder said. “Maybe that means that some of us kids will grow up to be famous if we don’t give up.”

Teachers at Helena discussed goal-setting skills and the importance of being persistent.

“When children are able to take a big idea, such as famous Americans, and merge it throughout the school day in reading, writing and dramatics, it makes learning meaningful and memorable to each student, no matter what his or her ability levels are,” second-grade teacher Pam Clay said.

The third-annual Living Museum at Helena Elementary School has become a highlight of the school year