SCHOOLS

It’s a Biography Bonanza at Camp Avenue

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The frigid February weather did not stop the likes of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from attending Camp Avenue Elementary School’s Biography Bonanza on Feb. 6.

Third-graders dressed as famous historical figures to give biographical presentations in front of their families, classmates and teachers at the annual school event, which teachers subtitled, “Saluting Individuals Who Made a Difference in our World.”

Teacher Melissa Chan said the Bonanza is an early opportunity for children to practice public speaking. The project involved about a month of research and preparation by students and their families.

“It was hard — it definitely took a lot of time,” said student Liam Osborne, who played Pablo Picasso.

Karolyn Kelly, whose son Michael Lada impersonated Albert Einstein, said preparing for the Bonanza was a “little chaotic,” but also fun and educational.

“I think it teaches them about important people in our history,” Kelly said.

Students eagerly waited their turns to deliver their speeches as historical personages like Neil Armstrong, Amelia Earhart, Anne Frank, Pocahontas, Babe Ruth, Walt Disney and Christopher Columbus. There were also musical interludes from Elvis Presley singing “Blue Suede Shoes” and Shirley Temple singing “Good Ship Lollipop.”

John Mansourati, who played Thomas Edison, said he overcame his nervousness about speaking in front of a large group of people. “I was a bit shy, but I managed to get through it,” Mansourati said.

Teachers said they were impressed with how the students handled themselves. “They’re doing wonderfully, especially in front of all these people,” Chan said during the intermission. “It’s a tough spot, but they’re up to the challenge.”