From legendary coaches and standout athletes to veterans and community pioneers, Norway Elementary School fourth grade students transformed themselves into some of the area’s most recognizable figures during a “living wax museum” presentation.

The 56 students in Mary Beth Paul’s and Allen Trudeau’s classes dressed in costume and stood motionless among the museum exhibits until guests stepped on a star bearing their character’s name. At that moment, they would suddenly “come to life,” delivering oral reports about the people they portrayed.

For this year’s event, the Partners highlighted “Sports Legends of Dickinson County,” including Steve Mariucci, Tom Izzo, Willie Erickson, Ray Bray, Bob “Topa” Erickson, Barbara Marchetti DeSchepper, Todd Lindeman, Alan Kimichick, Chuck Pellegrini, Rudy Rosatti and Jack Ralston.

“We wanted to expand to include other areas around Dickinson County,” Museum Partners member Jo Anne Sternhagen said. “I thought this would be a good idea and the kids would be excited about learning about local athletes like Tom Izzo or Steve Mariucci.”

Norway Elementary School fourth-grade students portrayed “Sports Legends” and some of the areas historical figures during a “living wax museum” presentation Thursday at the Jake Menghini Historical Museum in Norway. Fourth-grader Brody Flesher delivers his presentation on Michigan State University head basketball coach and Iron Mountain native Tom Izzo to visitor Tiffany Lafond. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Sternhagen recorded each presentation to share with those who were unable to attend.

“Willie Erickson even came to visit and hear the presentations firsthand,” she said.

Sternhagen said she was surprised by the number of people unfamiliar with former Norway resident Barbara Marchetti DeSchepper. “She holds three world and five American speed skating records,” she explained.

Students also shared the stories of local veterans Mike Cherette, Victor Gallino and Peter Haepers, along with prominent Norway figures Anne, Anton, John and Rose Odill; Jake Menghini; Peter Brackett; Edwin Meneghini; and Kathy Zanon.

Sternhagen said Vietnam veteran Peter Haepers spoke in great detail with students about his military experience.

Willie Erickson, left, listens to Norway Elementary School fourth-grade student Kinsley Pontbriand, who portrayed Erickson during the morning program of the “living wax museum” presentation Thursday at the Jake Menghini Historical Museum in Norway. Shown with Erickson is Dan Sternhagen. (Submitted photo)

“He told a good story and made us realize what they went through,” she said.

Teacher Paul said the students gained a new appreciation for veterans after hearing their firsthand experiences.

Fourth-grader Brody Flesher, who portrayed Michigan State University men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, said he enjoyed finding out more about the Hall of Fame coach.

One of the most interesting facts he learned was that 13 of Izzo’s players went on to play in the NBA.

Flesher was most impressed with Coach Izzo’s number of wins during his 31 years at MSU.

Kathy Zanon, right, listens to Norway Elementary School fourth-grade students Avaree Savage and Miriam Gustafson, who portrayed Zanon in the morning session of the “living wax museum” presentation Thursday at the Jake Menghini Historical Museum in Norway. (Submitted photo)

He also discovered Izzo, whose mother was from Norway and father from Iron Mountain, excelled in both football and basketball while attending Iron Mountain High School, being named all-conference in both sports.

While at Northern Michigan University, Izzo set a school record for most minutes played in a game.

“One of his best friends is Steve Mariucci,” he added.

Nearby, Kamden Kraemer portrayed Mariucci, sharing stories about the former NFL coach’s upbringing in Iron Mountain.

Growing up, Mariucci admired the Green Bay Packers and began playing organized football in fifth grade. He later earned all-conference and U.P. honors in both football and basketball at IMHS.

Norway Elementary School fourth-grade student Sam Beeck gives his speech on former Chicago Bears football player Ray Bray during a “living wax museum” presentation Thursday at the Jake Menghini Historical Museum in Norway. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

After graduating IMHS, Mariucci attended Northern Michigan University alongside his best friend, Izzo.

“During his first year, he considered quitting football and returning home, but his father convinced him to stay,” said Kraemer, adding that Mariucci eventually helped lead NMU to a national championship.

He explained that Mariucci later coached quarterbacks for the Green Bay Packers before serving as head coach for the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. Since retiring from coaching, Mariucci has worked for the NFL Network.

Kraemer said Mariucci spoke fondly about the friendships and coaches that shaped his career.

“He encouraged students to work hard in everything they do,” Kraemer said.

Kraemer added that while he had heard of Mariucci before the project, he learned many new and interesting facts.

“I had a lot of fun doing this project,” he said.

Student Sam Beeck, portraying former NFL player Ray Bray, said he was impressed by Bray’s football accomplishments.

Born in Caspian, Bray went to Vulcan High School, where he played for the “Giant Killers” before graduating in 1935. He later attended Western Michigan University, participating in both football and track.

Beeck said Bray was drafted in the sixth round by the Chicago Bears, where he played as a guard for 10 seasons before spending one year with the Green Bay Packers.

“His teams were very successful, earning the nickname ‘Monsters of the Midway,'” Beeck said.

Beeck said a fun fact he discovered was that after winning an NFL championship, Bray used his earnings to buy a new car.

“His goal was always to score a touchdown, but he never did,” he added.

Carter Mendina portrayed Willie Erickson, a three-time national ski jumping champion and Olympic athlete from Iron Mountain.

“I had never heard of Willie Erickson before this project, but after learning about him I found out a lot of interesting things,” Mendina said.

While interviewing Erickson, Mendina learned the famed ski jumper earned the nickname “Flying Flivver with Jackrabbit Legs” and first became interested in the sport while jumping in his neighborhood.

“People probably don’t know that his dad made his first skis,” Mendina said.

Mendina also discovered Erickson’s wife once served the president of Finland’s parliament while she worked at a restaurant. “He met her through ski jumping in Finland,” he added.

Mendina said he enjoyed the project and appreciated having the opportunity to speak with the champion ski jumper firsthand.

Paul said the students fully embraced the project this year.

“They put a lot of work into their presentations because we wanted to make sure we do right by those families,” she said. “Not only does it get the students more interested in Norway’s history, it also helps them with their writing and speech skills.”

“They did such a great job,” she added.

Sternhagen thanked everyone who took time to provide interviews and information for the students and museum volunteers. She also expressed appreciation for the great turnout from community members.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.