Third grade students brought Jacksonville’s rich history to life in their live performance of “Jacksonville: The River City by the Sea” this week.  Written by third grade teacher Drew Haramis, the program featured students portraying key figures from our city’s past and present — from Native American leaders to Navy sailors, musicians, athletes, and more.

Students’ hard work shined through as they covered topics including Jacksonville’s Beginnings, Early Cowford, the Economy, the Navy and Coast Guard, the Auto Age, Arts and Music, and Sports.

Following the performance, participants transformed the Lori Schiavone Commons into a living history museum with a Neighborhood Shoebox Parade and detailed dioramas of forts and historical landmarks from across the city.

This year, Jacksonville Day attendees received a guest appearance from Margaret Foerster, the inaugural third grade teacher at St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School and producer of the beloved song “Down in Jacksonville.” Her presence added a meaningful connection to the song, which is sung by students each year during Jacksonville Day.