School Pointes
Scientists were also well represented. Alexander Fleming (aka Eddie Schultz) told the story of how he discovered penicillin in 1928 by serendipity.
“I went on vacation and left my petri dishes out by accident,” the Nobel Prize winning microbiologist recalled. “Then when I came back, I found bacteria killing mold on the dishes.”
He was knighted in 1944 and received the Nobel Prize in 1945.
“I tell ya it wasn’t easy,” he added. “Back then we didn’t have the technology or the funding.”
Eddie said he chose Fleming as his influential figure because “my dad told me that he discovered the first antibiotic by accident and I thought it was a really cool story. My dad is a nurse so he knows a lot about stuff like that.”
Eddie, who wants to be a chemist when he grows up – and has already discovered a new substance he calls “Sticksome” – went on to say that antibiotics “have saved thousands and millions of lives.”
Maura Fowler also chose a famous scientist with a groundbreaking discovery – Marie Curie, who in addition to discovering radium and polonium, made major contributions to cancer treatments.
“I chose Marie Curie because she had such an impact on the world and she created life-saving tools that probably no one else could,” Maura said.
In her speech, she noted that “People didn’t think girls were smart or could study science” – with Marie Curie, another Nobel Prize winner, proving them wrong.
Many students selected figures in history they viewed as role models.
Noelle Weathers said she selected civil rights activist Rosa Parks “because she is a very strong woman just like me.”
When striking her pose for the visitors, she held up a sign with the number “7053” – her prisoner number after she was arrested for protesting during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Her favorite Rosa Parks quote is: “I believe that there is only one race – the human race.”
For Cameron Murphy, the key was a shared interest. He chose professional skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk because “I really like skating and I think he is a really good role model because he always tries his hardest and never gives up.”
Mackenzie Huinder admired Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993.
“She’s a role model for me because she is a woman’s rights activist,” Mackenzie said.
Her favorite RBG quote is: “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Some students earned style points for the props they brought, going above and beyond with their costumes, striking convincing poses, and one young man, Calhoun Sledz, even gave his speech in an Australian accent, as was only fitting for his historical figure, Australian adventurer Steve Irwin, known as the Crocodile Hunter.
The Living Museum represented “a culmination of weeks of hard work,” said Alison Locke, who teaches fourth grade along with Julie Nurse and Joseph Ratcliff. “I was so proud of each one of them.”
“It was a momentous occasion,” agreed Mrs. Nurse.
Steve Geresy introduced TV production enthusiasts to a little “Green Screen Magic” in the TV Production studio, and science teacher Troy Hernandez gave demonstrations on waves and electricity for future scientists.
Hands-on learning during fourth hour included kinetic sand in the library and slime making in the lab with science teacher Jessica Weisler, and for even more active learning, physical education teacher Chad Hepner opened up the gym for basketball, badminton and other fun games.
In the afternoon there were team-building activities offered by the counseling staff, more slime making, a reading circle and Playdough in the library, art therapy in Cleminson Hall, and lawn games with P.E. teacher Kathy Smith, including tricycles on the track and baseball, bubbles and Bocce stations.
Art teacher Alex Finney said his son, Diego, a pre-K student at Richard Elementary, "had the best day ever here at South. All of my students loved showing him around."
Math teacher Lisa Kline reported that her kids, Henry, age 4, and Harper, age 2, said it was "the best day ever at Mama's school."
Henry's favorite part was when Jess Weiseler opened up her organic chemistry class and he and his sister got to make slime with the high school students.
"The high schoolers were so kind and patient with my kids," Lisa said. "It was so awesome to see them in that light. Harper liked playing in the gym with Mrs. Smith and with all of the animals in Shelly Rothenbuhler's room. She now says bunnies are her favorite animal and we need one at home."
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