Parade of Presidents

In honor of our U.S. presidents and first ladies, our second grade students participated in a beloved 25-year SBS tradition. The Parade of Presidents program, performed each year, is designed to teach students about our nation’s history and its leaders. Donned in authentic period costumes that include suits, ball gowns, wigs, hats, mustaches, beards and more, second grade students stepped into character and presented before a crowd of excited and proud parents, grandparents and special friends. 

“The Parade of Presidents is a special time to celebrate the men and women who helped lay the foundation of our country,” began Head of School Dr. Don Davis. “Education is more than subjects. Education is more than book knowledge. Education is passing down a way of life. A culture.” 

Following the first ladies’ and presidents’ presentations, second graders paid tribute to U.S. veterans in the audience with their salute to the military. Representing all branches of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines—students carried flags, singing the theme song for each one. It was a moving experience as grandparents and parents stood at attention when their branch of service was recognized. 

The program for second graders is both fun and educational, from start to finish. Before Christmas break, all the names of presidents and first ladies are put into a hat and each student draws a name to see who they will portray. 

Head of Lower School Rita Herring played an instrumental role in the early years of this program. What started as a classroom project with her fellow second grade teachers 25 years ago has become a full-fledged tribute to America and its leaders. “I hope this experience gives students a love for our country and American history, as well as a respect for our presidents and first ladies. I also hope it gives them confidence in their ability to speak before an audience and memorize their speeches and songs. As teachers, we are committed to equipping our students to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Our second graders are already leading courageously, which is one part of our Portrait of an SBS graduate.”   

The Parade of Presidents concluded with everyone standing to sing, “God Bless the U.S.A.”, a reminder that we are one nation under God, and the leaders of the past are influencing our leaders of the future at Second Baptist School.

Fun facts our kids shared about their historical figures:
  
Did You Know? 

• President George Washington left school at the age of 15 and was the only founding father without a college education. 
• President Abraham Lincoln would walk miles to borrow books. 
• President James Garfield was ambidextrous. 
• President Theodore Roosevelt owned the most pets, including a bear. 
• First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of the first lady. 
• President Barack Obama was America’s first African-American president. 
• President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn are the oldest living president and first lady to date and teach Sunday School at their church in Georgia. 
   

PHOTOS OF PARADE OF PRESIDENTS