On Thursday, March 9, 40 Primary 6 students at Somersfield Academy transformed themselves into notable personalities for their annual wax museum experience.

What is noteworthy about the event is that it ties in so nicely with our schools’ commitment to diversity.

Our students portray notable personalities from around the world; ones that represent many different cultures, belief systems, vocations, and eras.

Students have no qualms about representing a personality of another race, gender or ethnicity. They embrace their chosen roles, and do so with great confidence. The culminating effect of this activity is that we find all students of all abilities shine.

The wax museum presentation is a Language Arts and Culture assignment. The assignment stems from the students’ reading of a biography about someone that they admire, or have an interest in, and want to learn more about.

All students read a book, conduct research, write a 2-3 minute speech, all in the first person. The speeches are meant to be informative and entertaining.

Parents are invited to attend one of two sessions, a morning or an afternoon session, and younger students from around the school visit too.

We also have former students in the middle years section of our school and high school visit, as they have fond memories of their own presentations from previous years.

This year, there was just two overlaps. There were two Michael Phelpses and two Misty Copelands; each personality was presented uniquely.

All of the students present a speech, have a presentation board, and display artefacts and props to enhance their presentation. Everything must be value-added to their character.

This is the fifth year that our Primary 6 students have used the “wax museum” model to demonstrate their understanding and their insight into the life of their chosen personality.

The students present a speech when activated (turned on) by someone viewing them. Every student has created a unique way in which they “come alive”. This year, Peter Strachan portrayed Winston Churchill. His activation sign read, “Wake me up to activate”. Tyler Dietz, who portrayed Steve Jobs, had an activation sign that read, “Put an apple in the iPad box”. The methods the students choose reflect an authentic link to the character that they have read about.

Each year the students choose to portray personalities from many different eras; from the ancient world to modern day. Students always have fun highlighting personalities that have been in the news most recently.

This year we had several students portraying Olympians; Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin and Simone Biles, for example. In addition, Mohammed Ali and Lisa Leslie, who were Olympians too.

The personalities range from sports personalities, statesman from around the world, humanitarians, adventure-seekers, artists, philosophers, dancers, singers, martyrs, civil rights leaders, intellectuals, scientists, inventors, first ladies’, authors and more.