Sports icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Abraham Lincoln and creative people like illustrator Charles Schultz and musician Louis Armstrong were highlighted during a Living History Museum presented at Octorara Elementary School on March 25.

During the program, third-graders in the classes of teachers Dena Schott and Erika Lynch portrayed the famous characters, provided informational speeches about their lives and displayed posters they had created. Parents and other third-graders were invited to attend the presentation.

"They had to come dressed as their person and prepare a speech," explained Lynch. "(They had to list) what (their historical figure was) best known for, interesting facts from their childhood and their adulthood, three character traits and what their legacy was."

Planning began in mid-February, when students started completing research by reading biographies and using online resources. "They had to select one important person in history who made a difference in the world. They spent about a month researching," noted Lynch. In addition to using books from the school library, Lynch borrowed books from the Parkesburg Library for the students' use.

Figures portrayed in the museum included Helen Keller and a cardigan-wearing Mr. Rogers from the children's TV show "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood." "One of my boys was Charles Schultz," noted Lynch. "He did a freehand sketch of Snoopy on his poster. It was neat for him to see that something that is a hobby of his could become a career."

One student portrayed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. "(The student's) family is from Mexico, and she related to her," said Lynch. "(Kahlo) was the first (20th-century) Mexican artist to have a portrait in the Louvre."

A young female student portrayed her grandmother's favorite singer, Elvis Presley, and she played his music during her presentation. Her grandmother was able to attend the event.

Lynch said she was pleased at the program's success and plans to repeat the event next year. "They really got into all of their people. It was very worthwhile," she said. "I was appreciative to have my student-teacher, Valerie Brewer, by my side. She wanted to do a big culminating project. She deserves a lot of the credit."