Constitution Week by April Pulliam

Posted Date: 05/19/2019

Bolivar Elementary School was recently, if briefly, the home of the Constitutional Convention. During Constitution Week, September 17th-21st, students watched in awe as history came to life. Third through fifth grades at BES were treated to a tour of an Independence Hall exhibit featuring third grade teachers as historical figures Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and James Madison.
    Nestled on the stage of the BES gymnasium was a scene straight out of 1787 Philadelphia. The students’ tour guide gave a thorough breakdown of the events leading to the momentous day for the United States. While tour guide and third grade teacher, Mrs.Katie Rickman, helped students settle into the experience, the historical figures remained frozen in place until Mrs. Rickman activated each figure by stepping on a “button.”
    Students were mystified as each of these significant and famous individuals rose from their wax figure-like states and spoke in earnest of their lives, the Constitution, and its importance to the then young country. Betsy Ross, portrayed by Mrs. Cherie Bryant, explained her contribution to the first flag complete with a demonstration of how to cut from paper the five-pointed star now featured on Old Glory.
    Benjamin Franklin, as depicted by Ms. Stacy Moore, emphasized his role in the historical event while explaining he was the oldest member of the delegation. George Washington (Mrs. Shelby Wells) introduced students to the notion that he was actually a shy peacemaker despite achieving such notable status in the United States.
    Patrick Henry (Mrs. April Pulliam) struck a chord with students as he vehemently announced his decision to not sign the document unless a bill of rights was included. James Madison, portrayed by Ms. Connie Neisler, stressed his role as the Father of the Constitution. Following each speech, the five members of the exhibit returned to their statue-like states to the amazement of the students watching.
    As Bolivar Elementary School principal, James Rutherford, states, “These students will not forget this experience. It will be something they remember for the rest of their lives.”