Fifth-graders learn walk of Egyptians

So did fifth-grader Seraphim Bey enjoy portraying King Tut at North Aiken Elementary School's Art Extravaganza recently?

"Sure," he said. "It's just that the makeup hurts your eyes."

The festival also included a dinner sponsored by the Education Improvement Act (EIA) after-school program.

Students did research and shared the craft work with art teacher Amber Quarles on a wide variety of art projects.

"We focused on multiculture and ancient civilizations in Africa, Egypt and South America," Quarles said. "The kids like to have a good view of where art comes from. They did a good job and took the time to do the work well and be creative."

The submitted projects included African masks, papier-mâché bowls and Aboriginal masks.

Bey was joined by a group of "Egyptian princesses," complete with costumes and even hieroglyphics, created by a fifth-grader. The effect was that of a live museum, said Quarles.

Students with the after-school program focused on future careers, said principal Rhonda Ray.

"Our regular teachers are also working with them on career goals, setting goals as well as what it takes to meet those goals," she said. "We have a lot of neat stuff tonight."

Seraphim's mom, Tiffany Cummings, enjoyed the event, as well.

"I'm very impressed," she said. "When it comes to school, he's very smart. He rushed me out of the house to get here tonight."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.