Hamburg Area Middle School students made their way to the Hamburg Strand Theater on Saturday, Nov. 29 for a special showing of the popular film adaptation of the novel “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green. The day was not only about watching a popular film with an important message, but also about raising money and awareness for the American Cancer Society.
Raising money and awareness to help fight cancer is not anything new for the Hamburg Area School District and even more so the middle school. The Hawk Walkers and students have raised a significant amount of money each year for Relay for Life and participate in many activities that teach them about the disease as well as help raise funds to find a cure.
“The movie was chosen because the book is very popular among our middle school and high school readers. The two main characters of the story, Hazel and Augustus, both battle cancer,” said Tracy Francis, Hamburg Area Middle School Social Studies teacher and Relay Field Day coordinator. “Through their interactions with each other, family and other ‘life lesson’ characters, we come away with the message that although the universe is full of many infinities, some infinities are greater than others. Life is such an infinity.”
Francis continued, “Cherish the people around you each day because some infinities are greater than others. Yes the book/film deals with cancer, but it also delivers an important message.”
Students anxiously waited for the doors to open and had some time before the movie to get snacks, enter the door prize raffle and enter other raffles that featured a movie poster, copies of the book, a t-shirt, jewelry and other items related to the movie and book.
Francis also let the students know that she made sure to bring some boxes of tissues that they requested.
“I think all who attended enjoyed the movie, concessions and raffles,” she said.
The early afternoon movie was a great way for the students to enjoy a day with friends during the Thanksgiving break and a great way to fundraise and spread awareness for the American Cancer Society.
“Thank you to the Hamburg Strand Theater for their support and hospitality,” said Francis. “Our town is blessed to have you!”
This was not the first fundraiser of the school year to help in the fight against cancer and it is certainly not the last as Francis and her team have plenty more ideas and plans. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Hawk Walkers and American Cancer Society fundraisers.