One of the most popular traditions we have at James River is the Hall of States, which was created by Margaret Daniel 34 years ago. For those not familiar with the Hall of States, each second grader is assigned a state, researches it, and then prepares and gives a short presentation about their particular state to an audience, twice! They shared their presentations with their parents today and will share them again next week with the student body plus the faculty and staff. The students share interesting (and sometimes amusing) facts about their states. At the end of the program, the second graders sing “The United States” and each student stands as their state is called out. And, talk about something that sticks with the kids! They never forget their state. Even alumni parents can remember their state and stand up for "their state" during the singing of “The United States.”
It’s so good for the kids to conduct research and address an audience about it. I thought you might like to know some of the interesting facts our students have unearthed over the years. Did you know the following?
- In Kentucky, you cannot take lizards to church.
- Saltwater taffy was invented in the 1800s in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
- South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia.
- Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream began at a gas station in Vermont.
- Some (crazy) people bungee jump off of the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia.
- The first Girl Scout cookie was sold in Oklahoma.
- New York City has a skyscraper without any windows.
It was a fun and informative day. Hall of States is definitely one of the many reasons I love James River. Thank you, Mrs. Daniel and second grade!
