OMPH Middle School Shines at the Renaissance Faire
The OMPH Middle School students stepped back in time at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire’s School Days, where the 35-acre Elizabethan Shire of Mount Hope transformed into a vibrant, interactive classroom!
Escaping traditional textbooks, students immersed themselves in 16th-century English culture. Students prepared for several weeks to compete. Each class designed unique heraldry banners and posters, while also rehearsing a historic madrigal and a theatrical performance of Act 3, Scene 1 from Julius Caesar.
The classes came together to support their schoolmates during the performances, and this incredible school spirit paid off tremendously in the Faire’s competitive events. The 6th grade (plus four 8th graders) secured 2nd place for their madrigal, and the 7th grade (plus Liam G.) took 3rd place in the theater scene. Our artistic students also excelled, earning 2nd place (6th grade) and 3rd place (7th grade) in the Heraldry Banner Contest, alongside a 2nd place finish in the poster contest. To crown the achievements, two students had the grand honor of being knighted and receiving a ladyship. These challenges perfectly reinforced lessons in teamwork and history.
History truly came alive through interactions with costumed villagers, nobles, and peasants. Students observed master craftsmen demonstrating ancient trades, from a blacksmith hammering iron and a glassblower shaping molten glass to experts showcasing beekeeping, pottery, and leather smithing.
They also loved sampling the Faire’s specialty foods, especially the mammoth-sized fried turkey legs. The grand highlight for many was the Tournament Joust, where they cheered on armored knights in the main arena and eagerly petted the horses after the spectacle.
Thank you to our generous benefactors for donating during last year’s ExtraGive. Money raised at the Give each year is used to fund the entry fees and transportation to and from school trips like this one, ensuring that all students are able to attend at no cost to their families!
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