PV Middle School West - Zieglerville, PA

The Lincoln Legacy:  Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln

To celebrate Lincoln’s legacy, the students at Perkiomen Valley Middle School West celebrated “Character Week,” April 14-17, 2009.  On a large puzzle piece, students were asked to create a pictorial representation of what character meant to them. Before working, they discussed character and how it relates to bullying prevention.  Using the puzzle pieces from each homeroom, students then assembled a giant penny. 

The students also took part in a “One Brush Stroke” Abraham Lincoln portrait.  Working with their art teacher, Ms. DiCicco, each student was asked to place one stroke on a canvas; the finished piece was an uncanny duplicate of one of Lincoln’s more famous photographs. 

Mr. James Getty, nationally renowned Lincoln historian and actor, presented assemblies on April 15, 2009. He related stories of President Abraham Lincoln’s life, shared famous quotes, and described to the students how his character was tested during the Civil War.

Finally, students at West organized a “Penny War” to raise money for the Purple Heart Foundation. The activities of this event helped PVMS West students celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln while working together to realize the importance of “character” in their lives.

Natalie V., 6th grader, adds a stroke.

The 8th grade Lincoln Legacy Team poses with Lincoln (Jim Getty) (Kneeling L to R) Sydney C, Allie M, Briana K, Cassidy R, (Standing L to R) Alex H, Colin M, Haley M , Kylie M , Allisa G, Jenny M, Caroline O, Megan R.

Final Portrait completed at PVMS West.

Mr. James Getty, as President Lincoln, presenting to students at PVMS West.

Mr. Getty meeting with members of Lincoln Legacy team of 8th grade students.