— by Lin McNulty —
Orcas Middle and High School students were treated to a private showing of the new film “Hidden Figures” on Friday afternoon at Sea View Theatre. The movie reveals an incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the mathematical brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1961.
Paris Wilson says she cried. “The injustice was real,” she adds. “It was really powerful.”
Their stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Millie Kau says everybody she talked to was totally in love with it. “It was great and powerful. I am super-glad we got to see it.” She was particularly moved when audience erupted in applause when, in the movie, the sign for the “Colored Bathroom” got knocked down.
The NASA trio calculated the launch and landing for John Glenn’s mission, making up the math as they went along.
Ninth grader Ewan Lister was amazed, he said. “I enjoyed the movie very much. It was amazing that this occurred during segregation.”
The viewing was sponsored by Sea View Theatre and islander Edith Thomsen, who, when she saw the movie, wanted every kid in the country to see it. She then contacted the school and Sea View to make it happen for local students.
“Hidden Figures” had been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Olivia Spencer), and Best Writing for An Adapted Screenplay.
Is it possible for others of us to see it, who missed the showing a couple of weeks ago?
NetFlix will have it in April, I’ve been told.
Thank you Edith, for making sure our students got a chance to see the movie!
Edith, what an inspired idea. How wonderful that you and the Sea View and the school made sure that all Orcas MS and HS students had the opportunity to attend “Hidden Figures”.
I had the same feeling you did, but you took the action to make it a reality.
GOOD DOES HAPPEN! The amazing, important historic incident in this film, and your act to help spread its story, proves it.
One person can make a difference. Thanks to Edith Thomson for being that one person who made this movie available to the middle and high school. To everyone who helped to make this happen “Good Job”
Thank you Edith Thomson. What a wonderful gift for our students.
I hope your happy, Edith! You just may be one of those “pivital people” that helped to change a young person’s life because you acted. And most importantly, you acted from your heart.
One of the most important, loving gifts anyone can give is the gift of empowerment to another.
Kudos to you, Edith Thompson! And the others as well!
Maggie