By: Amanda Pevey

Elmore Autauga News

Recently, third and fourth grade students at Redland Elementary School hosted a Living Wax Museum, where ten students portrayed influential figures from the past and present. Now in its third year, the program’s theme was “Legends.” Each year, Counselor Brittany Brown selects ten students for this special opportunity. To bring their historical figures to life, visitors simply pressed a button next to each student, prompting them to begin their presentation.

During the Museum, the Choir of Redland Elementary School performed the song, “Amazing Grace.”

Naomi P., a 4^th grade student portrayed Captain Charity Adams, the first African American woman to become an officer of the women’s army’s auxiliary corps.

Landon P., a 3^rd grade student portrayed Judge Bill Lewis, a former judge for the 19^th Judicial Circuit, and currently at the AL Court of Civil Appeals, appointed by Governor Ivey.

Ava C., a 4^th grade student portrayed Ayena Jackson, Director of the Elmore County Public Schools of the Middle Schools. “I was deeply honored to be featured in Redland Elementary School’s Black History Wax Museum alongside several other remarkable individuals,” said Jackson. She continued, “A special thank you to Little Miss Ayena Jackson and the other participants for their phenomenal work in bringing our shared history to life.”

Meghan T., a 4^th grade student, portrayed Abby Kelley Foster, an American abolitionist radical social reformer.

Idris R., a 3^rd grade student portrayed Armani Williams, the first African American and 1^st Race Car driver to represent people with Autism.

Andree T., a 3^rd grade student portrayed Wendell Saxon, Elmore County Public Schools Board member currently representing District 2.

Aliviah Z., a 4^th grade student portrayed Jasmine Williams, news anchor for WSFA Channel 12 News.

Kiyan H., a 3^rd grade student portrayed Mayor Steven Reed, the current Mayor for Montgomery, AL.

Zoe W., a 4^th grade student, portrayed Tonya Terry, a former morning news anchor and radio host from across the Southeast. She is currently a Marketing Director at Wesley Gardens Assisted Living.

Casen D., a 4^th grade student portrayed the 1^st Redland Elementary Principal, Dan Aude, who is currently enjoying his retirement and traveling abroad. “He was an amazing representative of me,” said Aude. “He even had my brown bag lunch with him too. I know it took a tremendous amount of work to put on the wax museum, and all the children and teachers did a fantastic job.”

Smokin Wells BBQ and Catering catered lunch for special guests that arrived and for the ten students portraying inspiring legends. The P.T.O. staff of RES sponsored the luncheon.

“The wax museum is our opportunity to share the history of legends in our world today and of the past,” said Counselor Brittany Brown. “We pride ourselves in teaching our students how to bring history to life, to learn of the contributions made by others for them to be successful.”

Read Across America Week wraps up today at schools nationwide. Each day featured a different theme for students to dress up and celebrate the joy of reading. This annual event encourages literacy and a love for books in schools across the country.