The likes of Thomas Edison, Davy Crockett and Helen Keller will probably not be seen again in Guilderland High School.
Students of the “11X” course held the 11th annual Living Museum in the high school’s new gymnasium on Wednesday, May 28, which brought more than 50 American historical figures, some fictional, to life. The event essentially serves as the final exam for the students of the combined history and English class. This year’s event was somewhat bittersweet because the resource intensive class has been cut from next school year’s budget.
The course has two teachers per classroom, and board members determined the district could no longer allocate resources for the program anymore. Several students had lobbied board members to not cut the course, which in prior years was saved during budget development.
“The course is fantastic because you have the benefit of both your history and English teacher in the classroom at the same time,” Erin McNamara, an 11X teacher, said. “Unfortunately, the course has been cut.”
McNamara said students choose individuals who had a great impact on society’s perception of the American Dream. This year there were some fictional characters, but they were allowed because of their impact on American culture.
Superintendent of Schools Marie Wiles previously said the district is hoping to rework the course and offer something similar in less resource-intensive method.
Several students described the class as being “like a family” because stronger bonds are formed by meeting every day.
“The fact I get to see all the same people every single day, that just brings the bonds close together,” said Elijah Clemente, who was portraying Clyde Barrow of the infamous crime couple Bonnie and Clyde.
McNamara said even with a revised program, there would not be a Living Museum component. She said organizing and managing the event would be difficult with the extra students teachers would be taking on.
“We are going to do what is … a shared student model. It’s not a full co-teaching model,” she said.
Kayla Lanza, who portrayed Bonnie Parker, said she enjoyed being a part of the final “11X” program but also wished other students could have experienced it.
“It’s really unfortunate to people in upcoming years because that’s what you hear about,” Lanza said.
Clemente said at least he was able to participate in the Living Museum event, which he wouldn’t soon forget.
“That’s probably going to be one of my biggest memories of high school, being the last Living Museum,” Clemente said.
The Living Museum started out in the classroom but expanded to fill the gym and open to fellow students and community members, according to McNamara.
McNamara said she enjoys the event because of how much work students put into their exhibits and performances.
“Their audience will differ from elementary school age kids that visit to adults, and I think that’s such a good skill for them to learn,” she said. “They get very nervous, but then they pull it together and they shine. Some of the sets they put together are phenomenal.”
Dave Septer chose to bring the daredevil Evel Knievel to life by wearing a similar jumpsuit and helmet, along with even bringing in a dirt bike.
“I loved him for such a long time,” Septer said.
Septer was impressed with Knievel’s many daring feats, which also led Knievel to holding the recording for breaking the most bones in a human body at 433 over his lifetime. There are only 206 bones in a typical adult skeleton.
“A lot of times I did not land,” Septer said in character.
Dayna Poskanzer portrayed one of the most well-known pieces of Americana: Barbie.
“When I was little, I loved playing with Barbies,” Poskanzer said.
Barbie was “born” on March 9, 1959, in Wisconsin and created by Ruth Handler, who named the doll after her daughter, Barbara. Handler suggested the doll to her husband, who was a co-founder of the Mattel toy company.
“Originally, the doll was sold primarily to adults, but become very popular with children in Germany,” Poskanzer said. “Eventually, she brought three dolls back; one for her daughter and two for Mattel. Ever since there have been over 1 billion Barbie dolls sold worldwide.”
Madison Wacksman also choose a fictional character, but at the opposite end of the spectrum from Barbie.
Wacksman was dressed as Rosie the Riveter from the iconic wartime poster.
“Basically, women’s rights kind of almost originated from Rosie,” she said. “I wanted to tell everybody about how great doing things for yourself and being independent can make you feel.”
Wacksman, too, was disappointed to see the 11X program ending.
“I love intertwining history and English together in one. It makes it easier to understand,” Wacksman said. “It’s kind of exiting we are the last, but it’s also kind of sad. … It’s kind of bittersweet.”
