Hawley’s ‘Nifty’ Affair Hails The Red, White, And Blue

By Larissa Lytwyn

Hawley Elementary School recently conducted its special third grade presentation on American folk history with a “Fifty Nifty United States” musical extravaganza.

“We have done this event periodically through the years, when it’s relevant to the curriculum that the third grade is studying,” said lead teacher Judy Pesce.

The presentation was conducted under the direction of music teacher Susie Ziemann and “respectfully dedicated to all the military men and women of past and present who have served to defend the rights and freedoms we enjoy in these ‘Fifty Nifty United States.’”

Assembled on risers in the Hawley gymnasium, students sang a selection of beloved patriotic and American folk songs. Included in their repertoire were the always-popular “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “Oh, Susannah!”

The program was also a visual treat. As each state was introduced, a student, dressed as that state’s native fruit or object, recited a fact about the state that made it distinct.

Savannah Johannsen, for example, represented Georgia dressed as a soft pink peach.

“The parent volunteers have been amazing,” said Principal Jo-Ann Peters, who added that a lot of them had made the children’s costumes.

When it came time to take bows, no one was left out.

“Every single child had a part,” said Ms Pesce.

The musical numbers and choreography were planned in conjunction with and as a supplement to American civics lessons over the past several months.

“Nifty Fifty United States” was the unit’s culminating presentation.