BY PURBALITE STAFF
More than 1,900 students and staff members from Baldwin High School and Harrison Middle School took a field trip today to see the Pittsburgh premiere of the film “He Named Me Malala.”
Students left first period to go to AMC Lowe’s Waterfront theater and returned for afternoon classes.
The film tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head after speaking out against the Taliban in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. Baldwin-Whitehall students were able to see the movie through a grant provided by the Malala Fund.
Many students said they appreciated and enjoyed the movie. Several refugees who have moved to the district, like junior Kristina Rai, said they could relate to the film’s message.
“I liked the movie because it’s similar to our story, the refugees,” Rai said.
Junior Fadila Yumouh agreed.
“Her story, it was good. She was really inspirational. She was powerful for her age and gender.”
Junior Fedila Nancap applauded Malala for continuing to work for the education of girls throughout the world.
“She was very inspirational. She taught education among girls.”
Junior Bimal Regmi hoped that everyone got the film’s message.
“I find that American kids might not understand it, but because I came from a refugee camp I understand what she felt.”
Freshman Grace DeLallo, however, said she saw the connection to the refugees in this school district.
“I didn’t understand why we were so diverse, and it opened my eyes to that,” DeLallo said.
Dr. Holly Niemi English Language Learner teacher at the high school, said the film’s message needs to be taken to heart.
“I hope people will do more than see it as a day out, and instead stand up for this issue.”
Junior Rob DiDomenico had heard of Malala prior to seeing the movie and found her message inspiring.
“I liked the moment when she was talking about how they would shoot her if she came back to her country, but she wasn’t afraid. I thought that was very brave,” DiDomenico said.
Principal Dr. Walter Graves said students’ acceptance and generosity in the district supports the film’s message.
“All students are very generous and kind towards one another, and seeing this movie reinforces that we are all in this together,” Graves said.
Baldwin-Whitehall was the first district in Pittsburgh to see the film. Before the movie, a video of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Supt. Dr. Randal Lutz was shown, explaining that the district was chosen because of the number of refugees in the district, and everything the district has done to welcome them.
News Editors Allison Perston and Laura Harper, Sports Editor Jack Hillgrove, Copy Editor Leanne Wilson, and Staff Writer Erica Koenig contributed to this report.
