Congressman John Lewis Pays an Unscheduled Visit to PCES at the Request of a Fourth Grader

Congressman Lewis and Fourth Grader, Paxton Flowers

Paxton Flowers had the surprise of a lifetime Friday, February 21, 2014, when Congressman John Lewis answered his invitation to visit Pike County Elementary School in Brundidge, Alabama. Congressman Lewis contacted the school on Thursday to let us know he planned to visit our school after a scheduled stop at Banks and why. Paxton had sent a letter to Congressman Lewis, on his own, when he was working on his fourth grade social studies project. Congressman Lewis said he was touched by his letter. 

Each year for the past three years fourth grade students at PCES have presented a wax museum during Black History Month.  The museum is intended to bring attention to black people's contributions throughout history. The students research history and select a person to portray. They then use their research to develop a graphic display of that person's contributions to history. The students are also expected to dress the part of the person they select. They must choose clothing that depict's that person's character or style and the era in which they live. Props may be used as part of their presentation. During their research they are expected to develop a script or outline of the person's life story and contributions to history. The script is what you hear when you press the button on their display. The students stand still in a specific pose until the button is pressed. Once the button is pressed, the student awakes from his/her pose and becomes the figure they portray telling the story of their life.

We had a short assembly in which Congressman Lewis spoke about his life and gave a very motivating talk to our students about being "somebody".  Paxton was given the honor of introducing Congressman Lewis to the students, faculty and staff - of course, he knew him best. 

Please see the following link to the news article in The Troy Messenger regarding more information on Congressman Lewis' visit to Banks School and to Pike County Elementary School: http://www.troymessenger.com/2014/02/21/coming-home-banks-school-honors-rep-john-lewis/.