7th graders excited to present as Wax Museum figures |
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"Don’t Worry, You Got This!"
Black History Wax Museum Returns!
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Countless famous athletes, scholars, artists, and other accomplished people gathered in St. James School’s classrooms on March 18th. The occasion? Our school-wide Black History Wax Museum! The project requires every student to select an inspiring Black figure, do research about the person, and present their findings in costume. Among more than 80 living and historic figures selected, only two were chosen by more than one student: Kobe Bryant (3) and Amanda Gorman (2).
Previously, the event took place in February, Black History Month, but teachers decided to move it to March this year as part of our school’s commitment to studying Black history year-round.
The Wax Museum had to be skipped the last two years due to COVID-19, making this year a first-time experience for our 4th and 5th graders. The 7th and 8th grade Wax Museum veterans encouraged the younger students by saying, “Don’t worry, you got this!” before every presentation.
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How does the Wax Museum presentation work?
- Students ready to present stand still like a figure in a wax museum.
- Small student groups from other grades walk around the classroom and tap each figure to “activate” their speech.
- The audience listens intently to learn about the figure’s background, life story, and inspirational quotes.
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“I love Wax Museum Day," Principal Dave McDonough told students. "It’s fun to see your creativity in your posters and costumes, and my favorite part is hearing the inspirational quotes.”
In 4th grade, six hands shot up when teacher Steph Padilla asked if anyone wanted to go first. Naasir, as Muhammad Ali, introduced himself: “You may know me as the dude who did the rope-a-dope!” Mark, as Thurgood Marshall, told about his influence on the Supreme Court and impressive memorization of the U.S. Constitution.
In 5th grade, Tina, as U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan, said, “I encourage you to encourage others!” And her classmates did — supporting each other with lots of applause.
Among our 6th graders, DeSean was excited to portray Kobe Bryant, noting that his whole bedroom and locker are decorated with Kobe posters. Chyna said she selected Michelle Obama because she enjoyed her book.
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4th grader Naasir portraying Muhammad Ali |
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In the 7th grade, Jeremiah, as Joe Frazier, captivated his audience with the story of Frazier’s upbringing and path to greatness. Brynn began her presentation as Whitney Houston with, “Did you ever think that you could change the world with music?”
Among the 8th graders, Althea paid homage to Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, who was instrumental in developing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Randy was NFL player Colin Kaepernick and Saani presented as activist and professor Kathleen Cleaver. Kameera gave the most heartwarming presentation, as her own mother. Speaking of her mom's struggles, she said: “I never want my kids to go through what I did, so I do everything I can to provide for my children.”
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John Macon III (Class of 2017), Sydnee Reddy (Class of 2015), and science teacher Nick Gurol, speaking at Church of the Redeemer |
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March at St. James was about more than basketball madness; it was about re-connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Five "Mad About St. James" events were held, two on our campus, two on Zoom, and one at Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr. Well over 100 fans of our school attended to catch up on exciting developments and some brought friends to introduce to us.
Each event had its own flavor. At the Redeemer, the flavors literally included savory charcuterie provided by Di Bruno Bros. and a wine tasting led by Greg Moore from Moore Brothers Wine. Remarks by staff, students, and graduates enabled guests to experience a variety of perspectives.
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Graduates Sydnee Reddy, a junior at Cabrini University, and John Macon III, a freshman at Holy Family University, shared some of their experiences with the Redeemer audience. John said, “St. James School exposed me to opportunities and ways of being that I did not even know existed.” Although John moved to Florida with his family after 8th grade, he said Director of Graduate Support Kevin Todd kept in touch with him and was the reason he eventually enrolled at Holy Family. |
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Zoom event participants heard from Douglas Faxon, our new social studies teacher and therapist. He said, “St. James is the best environment for learning I’ve encountered in my 27 years of experience. The model for 4th graders through college is hands down the best opportunity for educational and life success.” |
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Mad About St. James event guests take a construction site tour |
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Two events were held on the St. James campus. Guests on a Saturday saw our weekend programming in action: The Welcome Table’s Saturday morning Farmers Market, at which neighbors can shop for fresh produce at no cost, and a Community and Family Service Day, during which families and friends volunteer for campus projects. Attendees were treated to a special lunch catered by our chef, Debbie Anthony. Head of School Dave Kasievich led a tour of the new campus building under construction.
Guests at a Tuesday evening on-campus event were treated to an encore presentation of Wax Museum performances by students portraying Amanda Gorman, Shaquille O’Neil, Whitney Houston, and Dr. Rebecca Crumbler, the first Black woman doctor in the U.S. Local restaurant bao*logy provided a delicious dinner. Isolene Nelson, a neighbor and long-time St. James supporter, told the group, “I think that the school is doing a great job and I think that we as adults should support it and we should encourage our friends to support it, because for Black children this is the door to opportunity.”
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They shoot! They score! Coached by Eric Todd and Shelby Rowe, our co-ed Huskies Basketball Team closed out our neighborhood’s faith-based youth basketball league with a winning season! Pictured is our team after the championship game they won 34 to 27. Go Huskies!
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Our graduates are getting college-ready with campus visits and college prep workshops. Pictured: Max (Class of 2020) visiting Walnut Hill College, Nia and Tanasia (Class of 2018) visiting West Chester University, and college prep workshops for the Classes of 2018 and 2019 hosted by St. James in partnership with Philly Futures.
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How many digits of Pi can you recite? Staff and students love the St. James tradition that celebrates the mathematical constant with special swag and prizes for all participants. Most of our 4th graders (pictured) tried reciting the digits this year. But the top award went to … Skylar (Class of 2024) who recited an impressive 98 digits!
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Join the Young Professionals group for Quizzo in person on Friday, April 29th! Science Teacher and Quizmaster Nick Gurol will host exciting rounds that test your knowledge and cause you to ask yourself, "Am I smarter than a middle schooler?"
The event will be held in our outdoor dining tent.
Food and drink will be available!
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Health and safety protocol: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required.
More info will be provided upon registration.
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St. James School is a faith-based Philadelphia middle school in the Episcopal tradition, committed to educating students from an under-resourced neighborhood within a nurturing environment. The school is a community that provides a challenging academic program and encourages the development of the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative gifts in its students. |
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