Yes, This Will Be On the Test

Writing, Reading, Laughing

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

View From the 5th Grade Trenches - February 2011 - Meeting Mark Hamill


A long time ago in a galaxy not so very far away, my boyfriend, dragged me to what I thought was going to be a stupid war movie.  By night's end I was bombing the Death Star with Luke Skywalker, using the imaginary firing button on the armrest of my seat.  I was smitten.  The boyfriend didn’t like STAR WARS, A NEW HOPE.  I dumped him.

Since that day I have dreamed of meeting Luke Skywalker, and last Thursday my wish came true.  The amazing Mark Hamill came to our school and spent time with our 5th and 6th grade students.  He answered what seemed like a thousand questions with generosity, humor, and graciousness.  The man is a genuine Jedi through and through.

Mark was a wonderful inspiration to the kids.  He told them to follow their hearts and they can achieve anything in this world.  Here here, Mark Hamill.

Here are a few wide-eyed revelations from the 5th grade trenches about our awesome guest:

He does so many amazing different voices.  Robyn
He loves video games and is the voice on some of our favorites.  Jerry and Fernanda
He came from a big family that moved around a lot.  Lexi and Cade
He’s a regular dad with kids.  Gage
He wasn’t popular or an athlete in school. Rylee and Kayla
He was student council president. Hunter and Alex
He’s a writer and created the Black Pearl comic.  Tyler and Kyle
He is a director too.  Rylee
He says he’s a comic book geek.  Kait
He likes the weird/cool Star Wars characters like Yoda and Darth Vader. Rian
He was the last human filming on THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK with puppets and snakes.  Ava

I had a tear in my eye when Mark shared that if he were to be anything besides an actor, he’d be a teacher.  I remain smitten.


The force was definitely with us.  Thank you, Mark Hamill for being our shining star.

11 comments:

  1. That is too cool. Seriously! I love when people I admire turn out to be people worth admiring :) Mark sounds like a gem!

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  2. So, so very cool!! I like him even more now too. I didn't know all that about him, and I completely agree on two counts - 1. Kids can be anything they want to if they put in the effort, and 2. You did right dumping that guy.

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  3. Leslie, this is so cool! What a sweet guy. It sounds like the kids were inspired by him, and with good reason.

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  4. Gem is putting it mildly, Jess.
    Lisa and Julie, we are still atwitter about Mark's visit. If only all role models turned out as super as him.

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  5. OMG! I am a HUGE (original) SW fan! I am so jealous!

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  6. That is SO AWESOME! What an unforgettable day for all of you!

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  7. Laurisa and Michelle, my mind is still floating in the stars. Mark even autographed my Luke Skywalker standee. Yes, I'm that big a geek. I own a Luke Skywalker standee. (We also have Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, and Dr. Who in the house.) No eye rolling, please.

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  8. Wow, it's an amazing feeling when you get to meet your tv idol(and even better to find out he really is awesome!).

    Lovely to meet you :)

    Hugs,

    Rach

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  9. Thank you, Rachael. It was a once in a lifetime moment. Welcome to the blog.

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  10. Wow, Leslie! This is just such a great story!!!

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  11. What an awesome post. Lucky you! He was always my favorite character in Star Wars

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