YODER – The fourth-grade class at Southeast presented their Living Wax Museum to the public from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. last Wednesday in the high school gym. Students portrayed several historical figures who impacted Wyoming’s history. 

“In fourth grade, we study Wyoming history,” Fourth-Grade Teacher Tenille Grosz explained. “Their job was to pick somebody that they admire, that made an impact on the state of Wyoming.”

The museum featured exhibits from 18 students. The students had each prepared a monologue to tell the story of the historical figure they portrayed.

“Hi, I’m Louisa Swain and I was the first woman to vote,” began Camryn Williams. “September 6, 1870, I went into Laramie, planning to get some yeast, and as I walked past the polling place, I decided to vote.”

This summer, Camryn’s board will be put on display at the Wyoming House for Historic Women in Laramie.

“We emailed the owner with a couple questions, and he emailed back and wanted my display up there,” she said.

Grosz said she gave students a series of guided questions. Students’ reports centered around their person’s impact on Wyoming. After researching, they wrote their presentation.

Auryon Moody played Esther Morris, the first woman to serve as justice of the peace in the United States.

“Once we got to the end, we got to write our monologue. It took me quite a long time to finish my monologue,” she said.

Students started their projects at the beginning of May. This was their final big project of the school year.

To prepare for the day, Tori Goulet, “I had to get my costume on. I had to memorize my cards and get my board.”

Tori said her favorite part of the project has been being able to represent Sacajawea and tell people about her.

Grosz wanted students to gain confidence talking in front of an audience. She said one of the biggest lessons was on internet safety and finding reputable sources for their research.

“I was nervous and excited,” Tatum Wiedeman, who played Sitting Bull, said. Tatum said he chose to report on Sitting Bull because he already had some items that would work for his display.

“I have some arrowheads, a badger, and then I have my drum and my box and my tipi.”

Tatum said his research took him about two weeks.

Grosz said last year’s wax museum was planned to include all fourth graders in the county. Because of COVID, the event was cancelled. Grosz said this year each school did the project individually, but she hopes to have a combined event next year.