Columbus third grader impresses with wax museum performance as NBC4's Matt Barnes

Yahoo

28-02-2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — NBC4 anchor Matt Barnes received an endearing surprise while visiting a Columbus elementary school this week.
The students at Berwick Alternative were putting on their annual third grade project, a 'wax museum' where they dressed as famous and/or historical figures and offered guests facts about the person they were portraying. Barnes was stunned when he came across one young man who picked the NBC4 Today presenter to emulate. The real Barnes posted a video of the interaction on social media.
'Shoutout to Elias, a third grade student at Berwick K-8 that chose me for the living wax museum showcase for Black History Month,' wrote Barnes in the description. 'It's not lost on me how humbling it is that someone his age would deem me worthy of such an honor.'
The clip shows the third grader standing behind a large display board covered with information and photos of Barnes. Dressed in a grey suit and tie, Elias perfectly channels the TV talent as he recites facts about Barnes' career.
The presentation spans Barnes' days covering the Masters Golf Tournament as a reporter in Georgia, to volunteering with Ronald McDonald House and Big Brothers Big Sisters in Columbus. Elias also mentions Barnes being honored as the 2020 Big Brother of the Year and his many stints covering the Olympics abroad.
'That's all for now, stay tuned and watch me on NBC4,' Elias said to close his performance.
A surprised Barnes laughed and exclaimed, 'How do you remember all that stuff?'
Commenters were quick to like the post and offer some next steps for the budding broadcaster.
'The ultimate compliment!' wrote one follower. 'Now bring Elias to the studio. He may be a future newscaster.'
'Matt, you are a wonderful anchor… you're an amazing asset to NBC4 and the city of Columbus and communities of Central Ohio,' added another commenter. 'It's absolutely no wonder at all that this young man would choose you. What a fantastic role model you are to the young people in this world.'
'My granddaughter is a former student of Berwick, I always was impressed with the children's outstanding work during Black History Month,' summed up another writer.
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