Sixth graders at J. Michael Lunsford Middle School received a special treat Jan. 5-6, when a famous president visited to teach them about our nation’s War on Independence.

The presentation served as an introduction to students on the colonies’ relationship with Great Britain and the American Revolution.

Gen. George Washington, portrayed by Bill Weir, a friend of history teacher Mitchell Seipt, visited the school to teach the kids about such topics as the crossing of the Delaware River, Valley Forge, the battles surrounding New York City and The Battle of Yorktown.

“In sixth grade, we cover the first explorers to discover America all the way to the Civil War,” Seipt said. “I have known Mr. Weir for 22 years and his son and I are best friends. As long as I have known him, he has as passion for George Washington and The American Revolution and is constantly studying and poring over everything George Washington.”

Weir, now a resident of Philadelphia, Pa., frequently participates in such historic events as the annual crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day.

Weir brought numerous pictures and other artifacts to help illustrate George Washington’s life and answered questions from students.

He did a total of seven different presentations and Seipt noted that each time was different.

“These are the experiences they will remember 10 to 12 years down the road and they will remember when George Washington came to their school,” Seipt said. “It is making lasting memories.”

Seipt noted that his students have been astonished at Weir’s wealth of knowledge.

“The kids have been asking if he is a history professor and in reality he is an insurance broker,” Seipt said. “He has such a large knowledge base on the subject and the kids have been giving him hugs and asking him for autographs.

“They have all enjoyed it and each one of our students has interpreted and responded differently,” Seipt said.

Weir was thoroughly impressed with the students during his presentations.

“I am totally impressed by the interest, intellect, quality of questions and enthusiasm shown by these students,” Weir said. “It has been my pleasure to be here and to participate with such excellent young Americans.

“I believe very strongly that all Americans, and especially our young Americans, need to remember our past and need to remember the sacrifices that were made by our early people,” Weir said. “The hardships they endured to allow this country to prosper to become the beacon of hope and light it remains in this world needs to be remembered.”