Andalusia Sixth graders from the Elementary School invite the community to come along for a journey back in time to find out about some of the world’s most prominent people on five May.
AES Living History program allows students in sixth grade to learn about a historical person, then writing a piece about the person and then depicting them in the entire community.
After a gap of a few years during the outbreak, AES brought back the Living History program in the year 2000. Because of the weather the ceremony was held inside the AES gym, however plans are in place to bring it back to downtown Andalusia to celebrate the annual Living History parade where the students will take a walk from the town hall until the square in downtown. Following the parade, students will meet in the square to tell their characters’ tales with the public. The parade will begin with a 9 a.m. and it’s Living History on the square to begin shortly following.
The Living History program began about 17 years ago, thanks to the teacher Linda Kyle. Students in sixth grade and teachers are involved in the program.
“It has developed through the years to become writing assignments,” said AES English and Language Arts teacher Vanessa Snider. “They receive the book they read and then take a test. They are then required to create a report using MLA format. They research on their own with the focus being on telling their story with chronological sequence. This is a great project for students to master the basics for storytelling. .”
The most famous historical figure to be showcased will be among the historical figures to be featured is Princess Diana (Frances Spencer) who will be played by the 12-year-old Daisy Diamond. While she was a fan of Diana, Princess Dianna, Diamond said she discovered a wealth of new details during her study.
“All I realized was she was princess and got married Prince Charles before they were divorced. I was unaware of all the work she’d done in the medical field and in helping to raise awareness about AIDS or landmines victims” Diamond said. “I believe she changed the way that people perceived the royal family, who were still and quiet. She went out and was a great help to others. This is the reason she was the ‘People’s Princess’ ‘.”
Diamond is the child of Matt and Stacy Diamond.
From the realm of science, Isaac Newton will be played by 12 year old Rowan Stough who said his character was the basis for the modern age of science.
“I had a good piece of him due to the fact that I’m interested in math and physical science. I found out that he had numerous inventions as well as other theories related to light and space and gravity, but not only. He played a crucial part within the ideas of many others. Einstein’s theories would not have been feasible with out Isaac Newton,” Stough declared.
Stough was the baby of Alex and Nikki Bailey.
To portray her character, Myaira Bryant who was 12 returned to the time of ancient Egypt to learn more about Cleopatra.
“All I was aware of is that she’s the the queen of Egypt. I discovered some fascinating facts including that she fought her own brother to gain the throne, and that she was actually a participant and fighter during the conflict,” Bryant said. “She had a lot to do as queen and was also married with each of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony .”
Bryant is the child of Misty McGinnis and Odysseus Bryant.
As a representative of the law enforcement field, Jydarrious Moore, 13 will assume the task as Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. Marshal located west from the Mississippi River.
Moore stated that he had never known about Reeves Prior to his Living History assignment, but has learned lots about the famous lawman.
“I discovered that he was not the use of guns and was more gentle with those he could capture. He was through a lot. Born in Arkansas and was raised in Texas as an slave. In the past when he was a slave, he lived among Native Americans and learned their language. He was a highly respected one,” Moore said.
His parents are Lewis Moore and Cora Moore.
Snider explained that students started writing their reports and other assignments in February. She added that she believes the Living History program on Friday marks the culmination of a significant amount of time and effort spent by every student.
“At the end of the day, the effort they put in is rewarded and they are able to be proud of themselves. It’s their work, the result of the effort they did to it. They do not enjoy the writing process as very much, however it will help them through their college and high school careers. It’s a step that will help them reach where they’re supposed to be in order to pursue their studies. They are awestruck by wearing costumes and becoming their own character and sharing it with their community,” Snider said.
Public is welcome to find out more about the American past through the Living History event on Friday 5th May, with the parade starting around 9:00 a.m. and talks on the square from 9:15 until 10:00 a.m.
The article BRINGING the past to life AES students play the roles of some of the most influential, famous people appeared in the Andalusia The Star News.
