A gymnast who pushed through personal struggles.

An astronomer condemned for his beliefs.

Thursday morning, they were portrayed by sixth-graders at Towamensing Elementary School.

The school held its annual Living Wax Museum, in which sixth-grade students research a historical or contemporary figure, dress in costume and deliver short speeches in character to visitors who tour the exhibits. Students from younger grades and staff moved through the hallways and gymnasium, pressing buttons that “activated” each frozen figure into a brief monologue before they returned to their waxlike pose.

The project has been part of the sixth-grade curriculum since the 2019-20 school year, when it replaced a former requirement of 10 book reports per student. Teacher Jackie Ivancich guided this year’s participants through the process.

For Juliet Krebs, the choice of subject was personal. A gymnast herself, she selected Olympic champion Simone Biles.

“She was an inspiration to me to get started in gymnastics,” Krebs said.

The project also brought new knowledge. Among the things Krebs discovered during her research was that Biles faced mental health challenges yet remained committed to the sport.

“She didn’t stop gymnastics because it was what she loved,” Krebs said.

Matthew May took a different path through history, portraying Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei. The choice reflected May’s own ambitions.

“I picked Galileo because I love astronomy and I personally want to be an astronomer and work at NASA when I grow up,” May said.

His research uncovered a dramatic chapter in Galileo’s life. The astronomer spent the last eight years of his life under house arrest after being charged with heresy for his theory that the sun, not the Earth, sits at the center of the solar system. May also learned about Galileo’s inventive nature.

“He liked taking things apart and remaking them into gadgets. He liked inventing. He invented the thermometer,” May said.

Both students said the audience interaction was among their favorite parts of the day.

“My favorite part is just bringing the character to life and showing the kids what it’s about,” Krebs said.

“I just like talking to people and showing the kids what (Galileo) did,” May said.