Pictured: Ben Morselli played the role of Zeus (left) and was tasked with crowning the next leader of Mount Olympus.
Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District
Bethpage sixth graders from John F. Kennedy Middle School in Monica Klein’s social studies classes transformed into Greek gods and goddesses during their 15th annual Zeus Retires Debates on May 8. Family members were invited into the classroom for the special event.
Monica Klein’s social studies classes participated in the 15th annual Zeus Retires Debates on May 8.
Ms. Klein’s 85-year-old father, Ben Morselli, played the role of the Greek god Zeus, king of all gods. Mr. Morselli has proudly played the role every year since the event’s inception 15 years ago. Zeus is retiring from Mount Olympus and not naming his successor. Each student served as a god or goddess and delivered a speech by memorization to persuade Zeus of their abilities to lead Mount Olympus. They expressed their positive traits and a quote that directly related to them.
Zeus (Ben Morselli) presented Gaia (Charlie Majewski) with a lightning bolt trophy as the winner in period 2.
The sixth graders worked hard for weeks researching the strengths and weaknesses of their god/goddess. Following their speeches, the debates were held. With Zeus carefully listening, the gods and goddesses asked each other hard-hitting questions to help prove to Zeus that the others would not make a strong leader. This required the students to turn their weaknesses into strengths to defend themselves during the debates.
Sixth grader Johnny Russo (left) played the role of Poseidon and tried convincing Zeus (right) that he was the best fit to lead Mount Olympus.
At the conclusion of the event, Zeus crowned the next god or goddess to lead Mount Olympus. These students received a gold lightning bolt trophy and the opportunity to sit in Zeus’ throne (a comfortable chair) until the school year ends. Congratulations to the following winners in Ms. Klein’s classes:
Period 2: Charlie Majewski (Gaia)
Period 3: Christian Tararache (Dionysus)
Period 5: Ophelia Georgatos (Nike)
Period 6: Joseph Woodworth (Nike)
Period 9: Meadow Mauz (Medusa)
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