THE PINNACLE OF HUMAN PERFECTION: Captain America struck a heroic pose during his recent “Career Day” visit to Julie Fallas’s fourth grader class at Community Park School. The students later reported that the Super Hero “talked about his job protecting and serving the world.”
Fourth-graders in Julie Fallas’s Community Park School classroom were talking about what they want to be when they grow up. Ben Moyer wants to be a “sports player;” Betsy Williams looks forward to being an artist (“all kinds”); veterinarian-to-be Lily Rooney has two cats and “used to have a dog”; and Emily Sullivan wants to be a marine biologist (she’s already been snorkeling). This year’s “Career Day” visitor, however, was not of any of those. He was Captain America.
Thanks to classmate Zach Klein’s publicist dad, Jeffrey, the Marvel Super Hero recently “infiltrated” the school and landed, fully-accoutered, in Ms. Fallas’s second-floor room.
A press release prepared with the students’ help reported that “The tables were turned on Captain America as the students became inquisitive reporters who wanted to learn more about this Super Hero.”
“We asked him all kinds of questions, like, who was his girlfriend and what his shield was made of,” reported Luke Pompliano. In response, the children learned that Captain America does not have a girlfriend; “he has found it hard to devote time to a relationship as he is kept busy protecting and serving the world,” they reported later. His shield, Luke said, is made of “steel or something,” and Alex Clara helpfully added the fact that Captain America’s best friend is Hulk.
“The kids were unbelievably engaged,” said Mr. Klein, who attended the event along with the “official actor” who played Captain America. “They learned what it’s like to be a reporter interviewing someone.”
In a conversation afterward, the students agreed that Captain America is “a figure of the imagination.” Asked about real-life people who help others, Aidan Regan suggested doctors; Matthew Robles chose policemen; and Laoano Bell spoke for the Marines. Other “helping” professionals identified by the children included teachers, life guards, and firemen.
In their press release, students were eager to point out “the importance of having a good team in the work place.” Captain America, they explained, “is a member of The Avengers, a Super Hero team that also includes Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow. Being a part of a team that works closely together to achieve the same goals is invaluable to get the job done the right way.” Hulk, by the way, was instrumental in showing Captain America that “it is more important to use your brain instead of just brute force to get the right results.”
Do any of Ms. Fallas’s students aspire to be Captain America? “I don’t want to wear blue and red and white,” responded Jason Carrillo. “You probably make $1 a month,” observed Emily Sullivan.
