Julie Topoleski | Special to The Michigan Catholic



Rochester Hills — “We Spaniards know a sickness of the heart that only gold can cure,” said Hernando Cortez, a Spanish explorer who lived from 1485–1587. The children of Holy Family Regional School in Rochester Hills learned first-hand in December about the motivation and passion of dozens of early European explorers.

Each year, the fifth-grade students at Holy Family become an “Explorer for the Day” at the Wax Museum event that aligns with the social studies curriculum. Children are required to research their assigned explorer and produce a display detailing the exploration route, purpose for exploring, a picture or depiction of the boat, length of travels, family data, and items discovered. In addition, they are to write and memorize a 90-second speech written from the explorer’s point of view.

Each student had a “button” on the floor in front of their demonstration. Stepping on the button activated the wax historic figure to come to life and recite their speech. In addition to the tri-fold display boards, some students built boats in which to sit while in character. Large treasure chests, piles of gold, spices, swords, amour, telescopes and large hats were plentiful in the display room. There was even the Viking, Leif Erikson, who wore the classic Viking headgear and clothing.

Guests to the school were permitted to attend and visit as many individual explorers as they preferred.

“This is an impressive display of creativity and hard work,” said Bernadette Eusebio, grandmother of seven current and former Holy Family students. “This is the fifth Holy Family Wax Museum I have been to over the past eight years, and each time I attend, I am amazed at the beautiful costumes, props, and amount of time that is put into the presentations by the children. This is one of the many events that Holy Family does so well.

“We always make sure we pay a visit to as many explorers as we can while here,” said Eusebio.

In addition to the adoring school guests, the young explorers were greeted by the other Holy Family students. Classes took turns visiting the museum and learning from the many explorers. Most visiting students took notes while listening to the explorers’ speeches. Even though the student explorers were glad to see a familiar face visit their booth, they were required to stay in character, and only speak their report after their button is pushed.

When asked how the students find such perfect apparel and props for the event, Holy Family parents said they relied on her own closets, an occasional trip to the Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul, as well as family and friends.

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