By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
With schools shut down for the year, student work already started the annual Famous Figures contest will go online, giving the students the opportunity to showcase their talents presenting as people from history.
The program normally allows fifth grade students to go through a competition with their classmates, culminating with a countywide stage presentation. But with students out of school, the Hays Arts Council has come up with a creative solution.
"We decided we would still like to showcase the work done by those students," said Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director.
Classroom competitions normally would have happened right after spring break, but many of the students have already been working on the project for months.
Many teachers use the program as a big part of the semester, allowing students the opportunity to practice organization, public speaking and research along with the history of the individuals.
"It's a really neat way to end the year and it so informative and entertaining to watch what these talented students do," Meder said.
The presentations include icons from early American history, athletes, artists and politicians.
Students will now have the opportunity to submit their 2-3 minute presentation to be shown on the HAC's website and social media.
"I am very excited to see them. It is one of my favorite projects in the course of the year so I am really glad there is a way for them to allow this to come full circle — even if under different circumstances," Meder said.
With the classroom, completion removed this year any student in the fifth grade can participate, including anyone homeschooled.
And with sponsorship from the Hays Lions Club and the Heartland Community Foundation, award medals will be presented to any student who participates.
"We want the students who have the courage and the confidence to put their performances out there for us to share to receive one of those," Meder said. "So we are going to reward some incredible talent as these students wrap up their 5th-grade year."
The general information about the program is available on the HAC website.
The deadline for submissions is May 6 and, shortly after, presentations will begin to air.
"Some of theses students are amazing performers," Meder said. "And the characters that we see portrayed in this are so fascinating."