Sixth graders at James H. Vernon School in Oyster Bay transformed the school's new athletic center into a window to the ancient world on June 18, hosting the annual Ancient Civilizations showcase for the first time in the expansive new venue.

Dressed as pharaohs, mummies and ancient royals, students welcomed parents and guests to explore displays representing cultures and time periods spanning the globe. Projects included masks, maps, cave art, hand-crafted artifacts and detailed artwork drawn from months of research and study.

As visitors moved through the exhibits, students shared what they had learned, explaining the civilizations they studied and the thinking behind their work. It was a fitting close to the school year.