Essex High School’s annual world ruler tournament showcased Joseph Stalin, Otto van Bismarck, Peter the Great and, Augustus Caesar, said the Burlington Free Press. Students in the four Advanced Placement history classes took on the roles of historical world leaders. Classes voted for the leader they preferred to lead the world. To get ready for their roles, the “leaders” studied their personae, argued their merits and weaknesses, trying to impress their fellow students as well as their teachers. The students donned physical attributes like winner Scott Mechler who wore a tunic and helmet to reflect Caesar; sported a mustache emulating Otto van Bismarck; and spoke with Garibaldi’s Italian accent. Jake “Joseph Stalin” McGinnis said, “it’s all about spinning it in a positive way.” He argued the millions of Russians who died under his leadership did so that their country could achieve superpower status. There was no word on Caesar’s prize.