Students share what they learned about Dr. King with classmates

MEQUON (WITI) -- Many students had no classes on Monday because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. But a few schools were in session and used the day as a teaching moment.

The 5th graders at Oriole Lane Elementary School in Mequon produced a presentation entitled "A Life of Service" for the entire student body. It honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"I think it's important for us to honor Dr. King. And since we're in school what a better way to tribute him with a celebration. Let the kids do some research to find out why we have this special day," said Demetri Beekman, a 5th grade teacher at Oriole Elementary.

The skits put on by the kids were packed with information about Dr. King and the civil rights movements. The students, not the teachers, wrote the script and choreographed the skits from research they did.

"I learned a ton. We were just looking through books, finding so much information. It was so hard to narrow it down to what we needed to find," said Lauren Fitzsimmons, a 5th grader at Oriole Elementary.

The performers just hope their message resonated with the younger students in the audience.

"I hope that they learned that Martin Luther King really shaped our country and he helped us be what we are today," said Fitzsimmons.

Students in other grades at Oriole Elementary used the day to make different items such as place mats, door hangers and decorations. They will be given to residents of a nursing home.