Every January, fourth graders at Harding Academy begin a research assignment by drawing a president’s name from a hat. Their project culminates in a living museum where they dress up as their chosen presidents or first ladies and share important information with visitors to the “museum.” They also perform a presidential rap in elementary chapel. This year’s fourth graders had the unique opportunity of an encore performance for President George W. Bush himself in the Benson Auditorium ahead of his ASI address on March 10 — an experience few elementary students will ever have.
The impact of the experience was clear in their reflections:
"What an honor it was to get to meet him and listen to him speak." — Gemma Ireland
"I feel blessed and really lucky because if we were any other grade this year, we wouldn't have been able to meet George W. Bush." — Hannah Kate Riley
"The most important thing he told us is to READ!" — Harper Bailey
"I was the first person in my entire family to meet a president!" — Carly Cavitt
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I enjoyed it while I could." — Sutton Fornelli
"We are a little spoiled because no one else has ever done that and it was an honor." — Payton Cole
Continuing their U.S. history studies this spring, fourth graders also visited the Living Letters exhibit hosted by the Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Political Science. There, they encountered remarkable historical artifacts, including first printings of the Stamp Act and the Magna Carta, which they were even privileged to touch!
The strong partnership between Harding University and Harding Academy continues to enrich student learning through meaningful, hands-on experiences like these. For this year’s fourth graders, these moments are more than lessons — they are memories in the making.
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