As our Middle America Roadie team makes their way across North America to screen MOVE, they made a stop in Marion, Iowa at Excelsior Middle School. The Latin meaning of Excelsior is “ever upward” and it couldn’t apply more to the outlook of the amazing students there. After initially seeing KONY 2012 back in March, the students took involvement and creativity to an entirely new level and collected about 40,000 bottle caps to make three Stop Kony murals. They said it only took 14 pounds of screws (only 14 pounds of screws!)

Our Roadies went to the middle school last week and were welcomed with open arms. Bonus: the 7th grade Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Debra Barry, has a blog and documented the day.

A snippet of her thoughts:

Throughout the day, our guests complimented our school on having such great understanding of what was happening. They appreciated the background knowledge students exhibited, and they were impressed with the mural project from last year. After photo ops, and autographs, and lunch, and snacks, and such, they packed up their van. I’m quite sure our halls will never be the same. At least, I’m hoping they won’t be the same. I know I am not the same.

Our Middle America Roadie team with Mrs. Barry

The 8th grade has a class trip to Washington DC the same weekend as our MOVE:DC event, so we’re working with them to have them come march with us on November 17th. School’s like Excelsior Middle School are why we do what we do. It’s dedication, intention, and support at it’s finest. And teachers like Mrs. Barry are why young people today have the courage and know-how to MOVE mountains.