Founding fathers of the United States, athletes who inspire their fans and scientists who have made groundbreaking discoveries were among the famous figures represented at the fifth grade living wax museum at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School. 

Parents arrived for the afternoon event on May 28, which has become an annual tradition as a culminating activity in the biography research unit. They roamed the cafeteria and gymnasium, where students from the three fifth grade classes dressed up as the notable individuals they researched.  

Guests pressed a “button” to hear students recite their prepared speeches. The lively posterboard displays included biography information on each person as well as accomplishments and fun facts.  

Fifth graders worked on their projects for about a month. After selecting a person, they did research using books and online resources. Each student completed a research paper, then selected the most important facts for the wax museum presentation.  

The famous figures that students selected spanned from Colonial times to present day. There were notable people like George Washington, John F. Kennedy, Michael Jordan and Thomas Edison, and lesser-known figures such as actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr and swimmer Gertrude Ederle. 

Students completed their work under the direction of teachers Ryan Catalano, Melissa Halaris and Page Powers.