In early September 2019, Crockett County High School (CCHS) was invited to the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s Hamilton Education Program to be held at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville on January 16.
The partnership between Hamilton and local Nashville donors, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and the Rockefeller Foundation, Crockett County and some 37 other schools from six different states were offered the opportunity to participate. The opportunity extended American history and/or related classes exclusive participation in the program, which combines Founding Era classroom resources, document-based student projects and a special student matinee.
To be involved, schools had to be a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School. When Crockett County High School U.S. History educator, Deborah Puckett, returned to Crockett in 2017, she enrolled the school in the affiliate school program. She has been associated with the organization since 2007.
“Thanks to generous funding, student and chaperone matinee tickets were offered for only $10 per ticket,” said Puckett.
Alexander Hamilton is on the $10 bill. Students had to meet at least ten deadlines before the second week of December. Teachers had to implement a three to five day curriculum focused on the Founding Era based on program materials, including a research project for students that culminated in the creation of a unique performance piece. Student projects had to be submitted in written form, as well as, the strongest student project from each school. Signed media release forms, student generated questions for the cast members and surveys were also requirements. Puckett, the liaison for Crockett County High School was also required to attend a liaison meeting two days before the matinee performance, during which details and logistics for the day of the matinee were reviewed.
Students met with Puckett after school many afternoons to get logged in to the online resources and do their research. All students did their part and their hard work paid off.
Two students, Devon Cathey and Artravius Turner, were selected to perform their original piece on Benjamin Banneker. They performed in front of approximately 2,400 students and teachers.
Cathey, a junior, and Turner, a senior, are both active in their church choir and enjoy singing gospel music. Cathey plans to study occupational therapy in college and Turner plans to study music. Together, they plan on continuing sharing their musical talent through other avenues after high school.
“Opening up to other people and performing in front of 2,400 people was a huge opportunity,” said Turner.
Cathey said, “It was great experience. The people were sweet to us and very encouraging.”
When Cathey and Turner were selected to perform, Puckett had to give up the role of main liaison, and Kevan Yarbrough became the chaperone in charge of organizing all of the students at the event. Puckett was able to escort the performers through the stage door.
Chaperones over these sixty-seven students included Charles Evans, Richard Kemper, Brett Lewis, Kelly Piatt and Jaida Ward.
“Each chaperone did their part to help ensure this was successful for our students,” said Puckett.
After the performances, a question and answer session was held with some of the cast members. After lunch, students were led quickly to the theater doors to watch the play.
“They were hooked from the first song,” said Puckett. “Some students stated they had never seen anything like this in their life. Most agreed it was an amazing show. They said it lived up to and surpassed all of their expectations.”
According to Puckett, the goal for the students was to gain insight into the research project.
“Lin Manuel Miranda, author of the play, stated that if we excite curiosity in students, there is no telling what can happen next,” said Puckett. “Along the way, they became a group with this common goal. They helped each other. They made arrangements for transportation for each other for the morning we left. They were supportive of our school’s performance, as well as, the other schools. They learned that the work put in was worth the effort. It is the hope of the faculty and staff that this inspired them to do the best that they can. The cast members were very realistic with the students about the work it takes to achieve their goals.”
Puckett credited the support of the students, people in the community who saw an amazing opportunity for the students, the Crockett County central office staff, the Crockett County School Board, the faculty and staff at CCHS, and donations from private individuals for making the trip a possibility.
“The chaperones, who had to be faculty or staff members, did an amazing job,” said Puckett. “Crockett County was well represented that day and we are very proud of our young people in what they achieved. Thank you to Crockett County for helping us make this happen. We are forever grateful.”