It's not easy to sit still when you're a famous American. That's what 36 first-graders at Westlake Christian School in Palm Harbor found out last week, when they dressed up as historical figures and took the stage to show off what they've learned about the legends.

The kids in Janice Linnert's and Julie Fouchier's classes spent the past few months studying famous folks and and preparing speeches about their lives. Moms and dads spent several hours crafting creative costumes for them.

"It's a great way of teaching when you bring it to life like that," said Irvena Williams, whose daughter Brandi, 7, dressed as Amelia Earhart, wearing goggles a bomber jacket and knicker jeans.

The wigs may be itchy, the fake facial hair may be sweaty and the ruffly dresses might be bulky, but for most of the kids it was worth it.

"It's great because I get to say my speech," said Alison Andrade, 6, who portrayed 19th century impressionist Mary Cassatt, wearing a lacy pink dress and waving her pallette and paint brush. "I've been waiting a long time and there's lots of people."

Jackie Stark, 6, who dressed up as Pocahontas, wasn't as eager.

"I just want to get my speech done with," said Jackie, who had skinny braids in her hair and wore a fringed and beaded cloak.

For about an hour the kids took turns mounting a step stool and telling their stories as parents proudly snapped pictures and shot video footage of their little stars.

The kids started researching their figures in January and have been practicing their speeches in class for the past few weeks.

Six-year-old Elena Huy, who was Eleanor Roosevelt for the day, said she liked learning from her peers. "You get to tell something real about a person and you get to learn a lot about people," said the youngster, who wore a floral dress and healthy dollop of blush on her cheeks.

Lexi Nicholas' passion for her role as Sally Ride was a no-brainer.

"I think it's neat that she went into space," said the 7-year-old, clad in a plastic bucket helmet, milk jug tank and a plastic cutlery tray space suit.

Her mother, Sabrina Nicholas, saw deeper meaning in the exercise.

"It gave her an opportunity to see how different people choose their paths and how an interest of yours might lead you in a different path than your friend," Nicholas said.

Linnert's been doing the Famous Americans project with her classes for the past few years to coincide with Presidents Day and African American History Month. But with the war starting, this year's performance has special meaning.

"Sometimes God works in funny ways," Linnert said. "This will instill a sense of pride in their country and knowledge about history and all the progress that we've made as Americans."

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