Photos by Scott McCloskey Batman, portrayed by John Buckland of Huntington, speaks to more than 250 Glen Dale Elementary students during his visit to several Marshall County elementary schools Friday.

More than 250 students at Glen Dale Elementary received an inspiring and motivational message about respect and being a hero against bullying as the Caped Crusader stopped by Friday afternoon during his tour of seven Marshall County grade schools this week.

Students listened closely as Batman, portrayed by John Buckland of Huntington, delivered a positive message about acceptance and respect during his “Be The Hero Against Drugs & Bullying School Tours” around the state of West Virginia.

“The primary focus is to empower kids through tough things and to teach kids to be empathetic towards kids who are going through tough things,” Buckland said before his hour-long presentation. He said his message to the students is based on four principles: never give up, always do the right thing, help other people and never be a bully.

“I developed this message so that I could impact these kids with a message they can relate to. … Anything to share hope nowdays,” Buckland explained.

He discussed some of his own struggles while in school and how he over came them, and the reasons behind why he chose to become the “world’s only full time Batman” to help empower our youth and communities.

Buckland said his method of delivery differs in approach based on the age range of the students. He said he keeps the message more simple for younger students. He said while he touches on a variety of topics, he doesn’t get into a lot of depth with elementary school students. Buckland said he addresses more serious topics with middle and high school students, such as drug education and suicide prevention. He said for older students he takes the mask off and talks to them about his “struggles” and the “mistakes” he made in his life, and how he now uses that to empower students today and to help them from making the same mistakes.

Some of the principles Buckland spoke about, such as “respect” and “positive attitude,” were incorporated in painted phrases on the gymnasium wall behind him as he weaved his way around speaking at the assembly.

Buckland said he will continue to try and make a positive difference in the communities he visits. He has visited over 400 schools since he began his tour in the fall of 2013.