"The Living Wax Museum is a longstanding tradition at D-E," says Middle School English teacher Lisa Quirk, who has overseen the last four Wax Museums along with Middle School English/History teacher Mimi Garcia.  "One of the core concepts in the 8th grade English curriculum is empathy, and the Wax Museum gives each student an opportunity to walk a mile in another person's shoes."

"At its core, the project is an independent reading opportunity," she continues.  "Each student reads a biography of his or her historical figure and then writes a monologue in the voice of that figure.  They design creative set backdrops and dress in costumes.  They have the opportunity to visit Lower, Middle and Upper School classrooms, as well as perform for visitors in the [Silberfein] Gym.  It truly is a community-wide event."

This year's Wax Museum was even more of a "team effort" than usual, according to Mrs. Quirk:  "We've been more intentional in involving the entire 8th grade teaching team in the preparation for the Wax Museum.  In addition to working in the English classroom, the entire 8th grade worked with [Middle School Art teacher] Lydia Scrivanich on set design; [8th Grade Dean] James Aitken on managing stress productively (especially the stress of public speaking); and [Middle School Performing Arts teacher] Carla Moriarty on public speaking skills."

Best Set: Nikita Zurna as Al Capone

Best Costume: Alexandra Tarsinov as Anna Pavlova

Best Performance: Jason Finn as Ray Charles 

Most Creative: Nathan Song as Dr. Seuss

Most Knowledgeable: Nastasia Lavrinovich as Valentina Tereshkova

Faculty Standout: Marwah Kiani as Joan of Arc

Best Overall: Kamron Samiian as Charlie Chaplin and Katie Evans as Andy Warhol