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Students perform as historical figures at Grimes School Living Wax Museum exhibit and performance

Students perform as historical figures at Grimes School Living Wax Museum exhibit and performance

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Grimes School held a virtual viewing of “Believe that the Impossible is Possible! Living Wax Museum and Dance Hall” to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and prolific figures in the Latin community. This virtual performance is the first installment of a three-day series. Parents are invited to watch grades K-5 perform on December 5 at 9 a.m. and grades 6-8 perform on December 6 at 9 a.m. in the auditorium and cafeteria.

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English as a New Language (ENL) students of the Grimes community practiced memorization and dictation of the English language while putting on an electric and educational performance for parents and the community. Scholars dressed up with pictures of their chosen historical figures and handmade paper flowers with props such as a guitar or baseball glove. 

Student posing with softball at baseball player Roberto Clemente

“It's a great activity for the English language learners, especially on memorization and to help their language develop,” said Pamela Bergins, ENL teacher at Grimes “This also helps educate other students on Hispanic Heritage and different parts of the culture. We are so proud of them and that they were able to come together, and even though it was a lot of work, they made it happen!” 
 
Students spent a long time researching their historical figure, and ENL teachers helped create a script in the English language for the students to memorize. When each button was pressed, the students remarkably recited key facts and events that happened during their character's life and why they are important in Hispanic history. 

Dancers represent holding the Dominican Republic flag

The story of the virtual performance follows the Danba family, a wealthy family from Yemen, visiting the Grimes International Museum of Art for the first time. As they follow two very informative student tour guides, Elvin and Tyler, they press the “buttons” made out of plastic cups on the wax figures, prompting them to come to life.

At the end of the tour, the Danba family got the opportunity to enjoy a thrilling bachata performance by students showcasing the culture and dance of the Dominican Republic. 

“Thank your Mount Vernon community for joining us today,” said Jocelyn Alfrieda Rios, ENL teacher at Grimes School. “On behalf of myself, Ms. Bergins, and the ENL department at Grimes School, have an amazing holiday season. Thank you to the Hispanic Heritage team for helping with this school year’s production.” 

Student holding microphone to her emulate hispanic singer

Historic figures showcased in this performance include Lionel Messi, Selena, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Ellen Ochoa and Chef Jose Andres. This event has been prepared by Ms. Rios, Ms. Bergins and ENL students after being prompted to do a living wax museum by Dr. Severin Cornelius, the principal at Grimes School.

“I learned about different types of Hispanic people and how they started and lived,” said Tyler Johnson, a fifth grader at Grimes School who played the second host of the performance.  “I also learned that anything can be possible with a little bit of help and teamwork. I want to thank Ms. Rios, Ms. Bergen for being a big help, all my friends for doing great in the show, and my teacher Mr. Green for letting me be in the show.” 

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