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SANTAQUIN — Most kids don't really like homework.
But with an assignment like the one fifth-graders at Santaquin Elementary received, they couldn't wait to get going.
"We teach American history in fifth grade," said teacher Jenny Luke. "They learn writing skills. They learn research skills. I think it's important for them to have that full experience with somebody from history."
The students had to choose an American historical figure, dress up like them, then give a quick speech on what makes their person notable.
Students from other grades come into the fifth-grade classroom to hear from the characters.
"Yes, this has been going on for a while," said Luke. "Most fifth-graders in the Nebo School District do this."
It's called Wax Museum Day.
There was Abraham Lincoln, Muhammed Ali and Joe DiMaggio.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Sacajawea and Rosa Parks made appearances.
There was also one character no student has ever portrayed before.
"This was the first time. Yup," said Luke. "I mean, it was maybe two seconds that I thought about it and said, 'of course, that would be wonderful.'"
Jaxton Howard dressed up as Cory Wride, the Utah County sergeant who was shot and killed in the line of duty two years ago.
"My family has a long history of law enforcement, and I wanted to be someone that was a cop," said Jaxton.
He looked perfect; the uniform, the belt, the radio, even Wride's haircut.
And if anybody knows Wride's haircut, it's Nanette Wride.
She is Cory's widow and had to come to the school just to see.
"He looks so much like him," she said. "When I first saw him coming down the hall, I thought he was just a miniature Cory. My heart just kind of skipped a beat."
Wride knew Jaxton was portraying Cory, because he called her to ask permission.
He also asked Cory's parents.
"I talked to Cory's mom, which was kind of weird, because I didn't know what to say. I had to write my questions down on paper," said Jaxton with a laugh.
Everyone loved the idea.
Jaxton researched everything about Cory Wride, his life, what he loved to do, his K9 experience.
He also had to study that final day of Jan. 30, 2014.
"It's tough. It's like, that would be one of the worst ways to die. I would just hate for that to be my family," said Jaxton.
However, he couldn't think of a more important person to become.
"Makes me feel good. Makes me feel like I want to do stuff like this more often," he said.
Most of all, Jaxton just wanted to remind people of the hero Cory Wride is.
No one will ever forget George Washington, Lincoln, even Thomas Edison, but Jaxton wanted to make sure no one forgets Cory Wride, either.
"He's a hero, and I wanted to honor him," said Jaxton. Contributing, Brandon Whitworth
