What do cowboys, Native Americans, pig roasts, cows, metalsmiths and teachers have in common?

They were all at West Middlesex High School Friday for the 10th grade's annual "Western Day."

Terry Buckwalter, an American history teacher for 33 years, said he has been hosting a western day since 1994 "in order to create interest and to make the students remember the west and American history. It is something where everyone can participate."

According to Buckwalter, this year's revelry was special because he has had some of these 10th graders for two years in a row.

In addition to being a history teacher, Buckwalter is a farmer. He donated the pigs that were carved and eaten for the festivities. This was the first year that pigs have been roasted. "Most of these kids have never been to a pig roast, so they don't know what's going on."

Buckwalter made sure the day was realistic with bales of straw and a saddle for the students to sit on. In years past, he had contained all the activities to his classroom.

The students added to the reality by making wanted posters and a huge mural.

In addition to the roasted pigs, the menu included Vaquero beans, western chips, Chisholm Trail bologna, Dodge City spice cake, Rocky Mountain cookies and cactus juice, all of which the students named for things and places they studied during their four-week tour of the west.

The students' responsibility for the day was to become a character from the Old West, which meant dressing the part.

And that they did.

There were many cowboys and cowgirls, a clergyman and an Indian chief, just to name a few.

Student Geraldine Truog, playing one of two cows, made her costume from a picture in a magazine.

Student Patrick Hemphill, dressed as a clergyman, got the idea for the costume last year.

Student Robbie Williams brought his metalsmithing equipment and made mementos of this year's "Western Day" for Buckwalter and his student teacher, Sara Bell.

Buckwalter said he has seen costumes such as bankers, miners, Native Americans, U.S. marshals, teachers and many other original characters. Even Mrs. Bell, from Slippery Rock University, hand sewed a costume just for the day.

Student guitarist Phil Gorley, strummed some country-western songs even though "that is not what I usually play."

According to Phil, Karen Emmett, the choral director, sang western songs for the history classes and suggested that he lend his talent to the day.

The students who participated will receive donated items from area businesses, including gift certificates.

There were also awards given to the students for originality in costumes.

Mrs. Bell created the incentive program. "Mr. Buckwalter is putting so much into this day, I decided to go out to the community." She contacted businesses and finally had to stop asking because of "the overwhelming response and their generosity."

Another incentive is a pizza party to be thrown Oct. 19 by Joey's Pizza Shop, West Middlesex, for the class with the most participation.

According to Mrs. Bell, the awards were given by class participation percentages.

Buckwalter said that the teachers and administration were invited to attend but they had to be dressed accordingly.

Russell Ridenbaugh, high school principal, said Buckwalter is a "hands-on history teacher who works to bring it alive; his room is a museum. The kids do enjoy his classes, which is great."

"Learning should be fun and this is an example of what learning should be," said Jane Martin, director of curriculum. She added that learning happens in different ways, both in and out of the classroom.

The students helped plan the activities and even concocted random skits to perform throughout the day, even involving horse and cattle thieves.

Student Danielle Gill said, "Mr. Buckwalter is the best teacher ever."

"It was a cool idea and a neat way of learning how cultures went together," said student Peter Hemphill.

"I never had anything like this while in high school. It's a good thing. Everybody needs the opportunity to be silly every now and then," said Mrs. Bell.