Jefferson students bring historical figures to life

Alden Ennis, a Jefferson Elementary School second-grader, portrays his musical idol Elvis during a "living museum" project. Staff photo by Rob Novit.

Of course Alden Ennis would choose Elvis Presley for his "living museum" appearance at Jefferson Elementary School recently: Hey, his favorite song is "Jailhouse Rock."

The second-grade student of Rita Walden is a huge fan of the King. As his other classmates did as well for other historic people or celebrities, Alden literally held a pose as Elvis until a visiting parent or other guest would "press" a sign on the floor to start a first-person account.

"I made 33 movies and sold 1 billion records - rock and roll and pop and country," Alden said as Elvis. "I was one of the most popular people of the 20th century. I was talented and handsome and humble."

Jalen Eubanks portrayed Jackie Robinson, the Hall of Famer who broke major league baseball's barrier against African-Americans in 1947. Jalen plays baseball, too, and said he's inspired by Robinson's courage. Some of the other players "used metal spikes on him to cut his legs."

At a state meeting of the International Reading Association conference at Myrtle Beach earlier this year, Walden talked with a teacher who was doing a living museum on a smaller scale.

"I researched some other methods and combined them," she said. "The project has a lot of literacy, social studies, reading and writing. The kids have done a great job. I couldn't be more pleased."

Ariyanna Dunbar took on the role of Oprah Winfrey. Her mother, Patricia Dunbar, said she was delighted how excited Ariyanna was about the assignment, going to the library and writing facts about her hero.

"I'm a big fan of Oprah," said Ariyanna. "I also think she does a lot of good work in the community and the country. She likes to help children and empower women."

Alden's mother, Jefferson teacher Shannon Ennis, said her son has been an Elvis fan since he could walk.

"He likes to perform," Ennis said. "Alden knows all the moves and couldn't wait to put them into action."

The other students and their historical figures are as follows: Averie Abellan (Helen Keller), Alex Boyso (Abraham Lincoln), Wil Chipley (golfer Bobby Jones), Tori Claeys (Princess Diana), Rosie Cristian (astronaut Sally Ride), Madi Jones (Dolly Parton), Olivia Nappier (Sacagawea), Chad Prince (George Washington), Carlie Shoup (Rosa Parks), Patience Spulock (Elizabeth Taylor), Janie Stephens (Pocahontas), Estefani Torres (Betsy Ross), Ari Walker (Helen Keller) and Kylee Wheat (Gen. Robert E. Lee).

Madi Jones sported Dolly Parton's blonde hair and just the right flair. That comes naturally to Madi, who does karaoke most Fridays at Mi Rancho restaurant in Clearwater. She admits she goes mostly with Taylor Swift songs, so which one does Madi want to emulate when she grow up?

"Both," she said cheerfully.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.