Bringing ‘early American history to life’

Fifth-graders from schools in Crescent, Edmond, El Reno, Midwest City, Moore, Muskogee and Norman participated in the 15th annual Colonial Day.

The program is presented by Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute alumni in partnership with the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

Because of construction at the state Capitol, this year’s Colonial Day was held on Friday at First Presbyterian Church.

Highlights were special appearances by Mount Vernon historical interpreter Dean Malissa, who portrays George Washington; Colonial Williamsburg historical interpreter Scott Green, who portrays Benedict Arnold; and Mount Vernon’s Tom Plott, acting as Washington’s close friend and personal physician, Dr. James Craik.

Benjamin Franklin, portrayed by longtime Colonial Day presenter Stephen Smith, of Tulsa, also participated.

Nearly 580 fifth-graders dressed in colonialperiod attire to meet historical figures and participate in sessions in colonial dancing, slave songs, tin-smithing, Revolutionary War spies and colonial games.

“Colonial Day is an engaging and actionpacked day of learning that brings early American history to life,” said Colonial Day Director Teresa Potter, a teacher at Fisher Elementary School in Moore.

Other historical guests included Wyn Mabee, a spy from the Revolutionary War portrayed by Janet Bass, of Oklahoma Christian School in Edmond; Patience Wright, a sculptor and spy portrayed by Beth Howard, of Mark Twain Elementary School in Tulsa; and Penelope Barker, a patriot leader portrayed by Potter.

Brooke Potter, of Moore, and Juliette Beaudichon, a French exchange student in Moore, portrayed colonist Patsy Randolph and her French tutor.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence recognized the winner of its Colonial Day Literature Contest with a plaque and $100, which went to Alexandra Dennis of Barnes Elementary School in the Midwest City-Del City School District.

Colonial Day is coordinated by teachers who have participated in the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute, according to a news release. Joining Potter as coordinators were Jan Morris, Soldier Creek Elementary School in Midwest City; Jessica Brandon, Barnes Elementary School, Midwest City; Vanna Owens, Little Axe Elementary School; and Jane Williams, Centennial Elementary School, Edmond.