Local Students View Movie on Kindness at Marquee Cinemas in Triadelphia
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Hundreds of local fifth-graders received a powerful anti-bullying message during a special matinee screening of the film "Wonder" at Marquee Cinemas at The Highlands.
It's a lesson that attorneys with the Bordas & Bordas law firm, which sponsored the event, hope the students will carry with them as they grow older. Managing Partner Jamie Bordas said the firm is happy to be a part of the annual anti-bullying initiative, which encourages kindness in Ohio Valley schools.
"My dad (Jim Bordas) started this program about five years ago -- the anti-bullying initiative," Jamie Bordas said. "Every year we award a senior at local high schools with $500 who respects and stands up for others," Bordas said.
The movie, which premieres this weekend, tells the story of a 10-year-old boy named Auggie who suffers from a facial deformity. Over the course of the movie, Auggie is faced with a series of issues, such as bullies and problems with creating friendships.
Jamie Bordas credits the firm's executive assistant, Corey Pietranton, with organizing the special screening, which she believed was a good way to promote the film's message. In attendance were students from St. Vincent de Paul Parish School, Woodsdale Elementary School and Saint Michael Parish School and others.
"The movie is about a boy in the fifth grade, so we thought it would be very appropriate to invite other fifth-grade students from public and parochial schools to view it," Bordas said.
Jamie Bordas said the philosophy behind the firm's anti-bullying initiative is simple: There are awards for those who are the most athletic, or the most intelligent, and students who are kind deserve recognition, as well.
"None of us can change the world, but we can all do something to help make it a better place," he said.
Ohio County Schools spokesman Gabe Wells said the event was a great experience for students.
"I'd like to thank Bordas & Bordas for presenting this wonderful story in an effort to promote kindness. This is a positive movie with a wonderful message. … I'm sure the students will enjoy it," Wells said.
Some students read the novel by Raquel Palacio on which the movie is based in class before seeing the film on Friday. Jamie Bordas said he hopes the film and novel will have an impact on students.
"If we can influence just a few children to be kind, then this event is worth it," he said.
The film drew plenty of laughter and applause from the fifth-grade students. The film ended with a quote from 19th-century Scottish author Ian Maclaren: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
After the movie, Jamie Bordas led a question-and-answer session about the movie and distributed gifts such as totes, bookmarks and a wristband bearing the words, "Choose Kind."