MISSOURI TOASTED ON SPECIAL DAY

Stetson hats are made in St. Joseph. The world's first all-steel bridge was built in Glasgow, and Missouri has more counties than any other state, 114.

But the best thing about Missouri, according to Central High School senior Kylie Eggimann, is that actor Brad Pitt was born and raised in Springfield.

"Ah yes," Eggimann sighed, after eating an authentic Missouri waffle ice cream cone. "Brad Pitt."

Pitt's birthplace was one of many reasons to celebrate for students of Lou Ann Zoffuto's Missouri History class. Wednesday was Missouri Day.

Paul Kranawetter, a senior, explained that in 1915 the Missouri legislature enacted a law making the third Wednesday of October Missouri Day. The day doesn't make any particular historical observance. It is just a time to celebrate the things that make Missouri unique.

On Wednesday, students ate peanut butter in honor of George Washington Carver; chicken and rice casserole, representing new agriculture commodities in the state; hot dogs and iced tea, which were introduced at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, deer sausage and deer chili; and, of course, ice cream in waffle cones, which were also introduced at the World's Fair.

Zoffuto said Missouri's history is rich. "Unfortunately we don't always hear about it," she said.

All through the month, students have researched state facts, posting them on bulletin boards and making schoolwide announcements.

The project culminated with the celebration Wednesday. State legislators participated in the feast.

Eggimann said, "We had a lot of fun, but we learned a lot of stuff also."

Senior Amber Newcomb agreed the Missouri Day celebration was one way to make sure history doesn't seem boring.

"Mrs. Zoffuto is a great teacher," she said. "She makes it fun."